Nursing students are being placed in a complex and challenging clinical environment as part of their educational training program. During their placement they are expected to integrate theory with practice in order to become competent nurse practitioners. Students need support to develop cognitively and professionally in order to become part of a sustainable workforce that are able to address the healthcare needs of the population of South Africa. Preceptors are the perfect entity to provide the necessary support and maximize transfer of learning. Good working relationships between the preceptor and clinical staff contribute to a positive clinical learning environment that is conducive for transfer of learning. The types of support that preceptors should provide to students include system, tangible, cognitive and emotional support. Nursing education institutions should ensure that preceptors provide comprehensive support to students enrolled in their program.
The purpose of this study is to describe the support offered by preceptors to undergraduate nursing students at a school of nursing in South Africa.
Methods:
A quantitative survey was done. Second to forth year undergraduate nursing students completed the questionnaire. Respondents had to indicate on a four-point Likert scale whether they strongly agree to strongly disagree with the latter having the lowest score. Students completed the questionnaire at the end of their clinical placement over two consecutive months. Descriptive statistical analysis was done.
Results:
Results showed that preceptors provided students with the four types of support. Students rated emotional support as the highest type of support offered by preceptors. The mean value of each type of support varied between 3.21519 and 2.01321 and showed that there is still allot of room for improvement on the support that preceptors offer to students.
Conclusion:
The use of this instrument can provide nursing education institutions with a clear indication on the quality of support that the preceptors provide to their students.