Developing Consistency in Capstone Preceptorship

Significance of problem. Literature reveals that preceptorship is well defined as an evidence-based way for Capstone student nurses to experience the real world of nursing before graduation. Preparation of preceptors is identified as an important factor related to the success of Capstone preceptorship programs.  Preceptors that are not adequately prepared lack confidence for their role in Capstone preceptorship.  The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Capstone project was guided by the clinical question:  Will an online approach to Capstone preceptor preparation improve the confidence of preceptors to perform in the role?

Theoretical framework. Bandura’s social cognitive learning theory provides the framework for the DNP project.  This theory bridges behaviorist and cognitive learning theories by encompassing attention, memory, and motivation.  Motivation for behavior is controlled by self-efficacy (confidence).  Competent performance requires both skills and self-beliefs of efficacy to use them effectively.

Method. Two objectives of the DNP Project include: 1) create evidence-based online Capstone preceptor preparation modules; and 2) evaluate Capstone preceptor confidence pre and post intervention of the online preparation modules.  To determine the impact online Capstone preparation modules had on the confidence of nurses to perform in the preceptor role, the paired t-test was utilized to compare the pre and post self-efficacy questionnaire scores at a 95% confidence interval.  Statistical significance for the project study was defined as p < 0.05.   

Results. The online Capstone preparation modules had a significant effect on nurse participants by increasing their confidence to perform in the preceptor role.  Overall, posttest confidence scores were significantly higher than pretest scores for each of the 21 questions included on the self-efficacy (confidence) questionnaire with significance of p < 0.00. 

Conclusion. Evidence suggests that the success of Capstone preceptorship is affected by the level of preceptor preparation.  Online education methods are effective in increasing preceptor confidence in their role for preceptorship.  Cost savings, flexible access time, and consistent content delivery are benefits of online preceptor preparation programs.  In this time of shrinking resources, innovative methods of clinical education are indicated.