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Learning Objective 1: discuss how the number of preceptors impacts the learning of a preceptee
Learning Objective 2: discuss the preceptees’ satisfaction with preceptorship as it relates to the development of their performance.
Methods: This was a descriptive correlational study using a set of validated instruments. The data was collected in September and October 2008. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board. Data analysis: Analysis consisted of descriptive statistics, the computation of Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) and the t-test using at least a 95% confidence interval. Reliability analysis was conducted for the questionnaires in use. The overall response rate was 47% (n=81).
Results: Those preceptees who had two preceptors during their preceptorship were highly satisfied and reported intensive professional development and development of nursing skills, but minimal involvement with leadership activities. Preceptees with three preceptors reported intensive professional development as well as development of nursing skills and overall satisfaction with the preceptorship experience.
When the receptees’ had three to five preceptors, they reported that their learning was highly encouraged. Furthermore, having four preceptors was related with preceptees’ assessment regarding the good teaching/collaboration, planning and evaluation, skills and interpersonal relations/communications. In addition, those preceptees who had five or more preceptors assessed that they had decreased teaching and collaboration activities.
Conclusions: When a preceptee had a higher number of preceptors, this seems to be related to broad exposure to generally applicable skills. When the preceptee had a lower number of preceptors, this seems to be related to exposure to specific nursing tasks and skills. This seems to have significant impact on the preceptees’ subsequent performance and satisfaction regarding the preceptorship program.
The results of this study will guide the development of a standardized approach to preceptrorship and program evaluation. It has broad applicability and can be used in any practice setting.