Job satisfaction in preceptorship and its effect on the clinical performance of the preceptee

This study was designed to examine the relationship between preceptor/preceptee job satisfaction and preceptee clinical performance. A correlational descriptive design using quantitative data was employed through a mailed survey. Seventy-nine questionnaires were mailed to preceptors, 100 to preceptees. The response rate for preceptors was 49.4% while the response rate for preceptees was 33%. Herzberg's theory served as the conceptual framework. Three baccalaureate schools of nursing in Atlantic Canada comprised the setting. Analysis of data included frequencies, percentages, t-tests, and Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficient. Findings indicate that preceptors and preceptees differ significantly regarding aspects of their job, and their job in general. They also differ significantly in their rating of how often preceptees perform the planning/evaluation components of their care. A positive significant relationship exists between preceptee job satisfaction and clinical performance. No relationship was found to exist between preceptor job satisfaction and preceptee clinical performance. Additionally, in view of the limitations of the study (small sample, low response) limited conclusions can be drawn from the study.