Publication Date
Spring 2024
Degree Type
Doctoral Project
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Department
Nursing
First Advisor
Denise Dawkins
Second Advisor
Robin Whitney
Third Advisor
Beth Willy, Caroline Stewart
Keywords
preceptor, preceptee, learning needs, learning needs priorities, teaching modalities, nursing education
Abstract
Background: The nurse preceptor role can be as challenging and demanding as it is critical in the context of nursing shortages and burnout. The improvement of nurse preceptor training, based on preferences expressed by the nurses fulfilling this role, therefore represents a potentially important part of the solution to these problems.
Methods: A modified version of the +RN Learning Needs Assessment tool was administered to 24 nurse preceptors who precepted in the nurse residency program on two campuses of a not-for-profit Western US hospital, regarding their preferences for topics to be covered in preceptor training, as well as the sequence and timing of those topics. This yielded data that were analyzed using Qualtrics and Tableau, employing a five-level Likert Scale.
Results: Overall, the data show strong agreement with the way that preceptor training is currently being done at the organization in question, although the participants in this study expressed preference for additional learning modalities (e.g., online learning, independent learning, and unit-based meetings) to supplement what is currently in place.
Conclusion: Unlike previous similar studies, participants not only ranked topics by importance to them but also expressed their preferences for teaching modalities, thereby contributing to the literature in this area. Enhanced understanding of preceptors’ learning preferences is expected to improve engagement, autonomy, curriculum quality, and employee and patient satisfaction. Future research could contribute to this body of knowledge by avoiding the limitations of this study acknowledged here.
Recommended Citation
Valadez, Janice Yao, "A Survey of Nurse Preceptor Preferences Regarding Training Topics: A Descriptive Study" (2024). Doctoral Projects. 177.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.31979/etd.9y52-gqyb
https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/etd_doctoral/177
