| Learning Objective #1: Identify the perceptions of senior nursing students about their relationship with the preceptor. | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Examine the relationship between the levels of perceived competency in using the nursing processes and the degree of interaction with the preceptors by nursing students. |
The senior nursing preceptorship is the culminating clinical experience in the baccalaureate nursing program and assists students in application of their nursing knowledge and skills. How well students learn to practice nursing skills before graduating may determine the success of the transition from student nurse to staff nurse.
Therefore, a well planned senior clinical preceptorship program can meet the recognized needs of senior nursing students by increasing their competence in demonstrating nursing skills in the clinical agency and help health care agencies stabilize employment as well as reduce orientation and turnover costs. The purpose of this descriptive study was to examine the perceptions of baccalaureate senior nursing students about their clinical preceptorship: (a) in relation to the degree of interaction with preceptor, and (b) to evaluate their perceptions of competency in implementing the nursing processes. Survey questionnaire data were collected from 102 senior nursing students, using a 52-item questionnaire including opinion and competency statements. The study results suggest that the clinical preceptorship program increased the overall perceived competency of 90 of the 102 nursing students. With a greater amount of preceptor interaction, there was a greater degree of perceived nursing competency in skills. Ninety percent (n = 91) of the students rated their relationships with their preceptors as important to very important. The area in which the statements were rated highest competency was the evaluation category, and the ratings were the weakest for implementation.
Findings suggest that the majority of senior nursing students perceived strong competency in using the nursing processes. The weak areas however should be evaluated in light of potential improvement, particularly in traditional nursing students who appear to be at an increased risk. These results will help in facilitating future senior nursing preceptorship placements.
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See more of The 17th International Nursing Research Congress Focusing on Evidence-Based Practice (19-22 July 2006)