Introduction
Anyone who has taken on the role of preceptor can tell you it ’ s not easy . Preceptors do so much more than simply facilitate a routine transition process – they help new nurses to improve critical thinking skills , learn and understand facility policies and procedures , and experience on-thejob training . They are also a mentor and a sympathetic ear to someone who is in the midst of a potentially stressful transition .
For such an impactful job , it ’ s important for healthcare facilities to provide an adequate level of support and training for the preceptor . This has become increasingly important because many new nurses have not had the opportunity to log as much clinical or lab time as they could prepandemic . As a result , preceptors have had to get creative , adapting to longer orientation and , in some cases , more in-depth instruction to fill gaps .
For this reason , a preceptor development program can be essential to success . There is a great deal of finesse required – preceptors must know how to be a coach and mentor . They must understand the principles of adult learning and how to properly train for competency . They must be able to handle sensitive situations , faltering confidence , and self-doubt . It ’ s a big job , but investing in nurses to ensure their success as preceptors impacts their individual success as well as the success of the healthcare facility as a whole .
In this report , we ’ ll take a look at what healthcare leaders have to say about their preceptor development programs , utilizing data from a HealthStream survey administered in June 2022 to 1,346 hospital leaders who influence preceptor programs in their organizations . The purpose of the study was to understand the importance of preceptor programs and the degree to which leaders believe these programs are improving patient safety as well as nurse retention . Finally , we ’ ll review case study information about what clients like about their HealthStream program , as well as their unique experiences and observations .
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