Nurse Preceptors’ Perceptions Of Their Effectiveness When Precepting Students: A Transcendental Research Proposal

Nursing students in their last two years of baccalaureate nursing school spend over fifty percent of their learning at clinical sites under the guidance and supervision of a nurse preceptor. The effectiveness of nurse preceptors in mentoring students affects students' well-being, intent to stay in the profession, ability to pass the NCLEX exam, and mental health. The perceptions of preceptors on their effectiveness are unknown. Preceptors are often chosen for their skilled abilities at the bedside, but they often lack the support and training to become skilled nurse teachers. Institutional factors from the hospital or the school of nursing often impact the nurse preceptors' ability to be as effective in their role as they desire. Understanding the preceptor's perception of effectiveness could help shape recruiting and hiring policies, shape professional development initiatives, and provide crucial details on what supports, and educational endeavors preceptors identify may be essential to facilitate their effectiveness. This transcendental phenomenological study investigated registered nurse preceptors' perceptions of their effectiveness when precepting senior baccalaureate nursing students in clinical rotations. Additionally, barriers to the preceptor's effectiveness are identified. Results from this study will highlight crucial details on what support, training, and incentives preceptors desire. This information could spur changes that help increase satisfaction and retention rates in the role, which could benefit student nurses and positively impact patient care.