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Learning Objective 1: identify and discuss the factors related to the satisfaction of preceptors and preceptees in the preceptorship program.
Learning Objective 2: discuss the differences among the preceptors' and preceptees' level of satisfaction in the preceptorship program.
This study was to explore the satisfaction of preceptors and preceptees in a preceptorship program within Maine's largest teaching hospital with over 1,000 registered nurses working in over 15 specialty units.
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.
Results:
The overall response rate was 47% (N=353). Both respondent groups were primarily female (n=127) and were employed on a full-time basis (n=136). Preceptor’s mean age was between 30 and 40 years (56.5%) and preceptees between 20 and 29 years (45.6%).
Preceptor satisfaction was most highly associated with having at least 12 to 21 years of nursing experience, and report of the ability to ask questions and give feedback throughout the preceptorship (p=.04). Preceptee satisfaction was most highly associated with those respondents with less than 5 years of experience in their nursing specialty, at least 4 years of post secondary education and report of an encouraging learning environment throughout the preceptorship (p=.003). Those involved in the preceptorship for 2 to 3 months or greater were more likely to have higher satisfaction scores overall depending on their years of experience (p=.01). Factors such as learning from their preceptor’s experiences (p=.001), receiving tactful comments about their performance (p=.002) and being encouraged to talk about work in a comfortable manner (p=.003) were very highly indicative of overall preceptee satisfaction.
Conclusion:
The educational level and years of experience are related to both preceptor and preceptee satisfaction in the preceptorship program. These findings provide a starting point to critically assess the current preceptorship programs and pave a new direction to satisfy the needs of preceptors and preceptees during preceptorship.