Effect of Preceptorship Program on Nurses' Performance as A Preceptor in Intensive Care Units

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Researcher, Nursing Administration, Faculty of Nursing, Tanta University, Egypt

2 Assis. Professor, Nursing Administration, Faculty of Nursing, Tanta University, Egypt Nursing Specialist, Elmenshawy General Hospital, Egypt.

3 Professor, Nursing Administration, Faculty of Nursing, Tanta University, Egypt

4 Lecturer, Nursing Administration, Faculty of Nursing, Tanta University, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Preceptorship is a period of structured transition to guide and support new
nurses from students to autonomous professionals. It provides support, guidance, and
development for all new practitioners to build confidence and competence as they transition
from students to autonomous professionals. Aim: To evaluate the effect of preceptorship
program on nurses’ performance as a preceptor in Intensive Care Units. Subjects and
Method: Design: Quasi experimental research Setting: The study was conducted in all
Intensive Care Units at El-Menshawy General Hospital. Subjects: included all (n=80) nurses
in previously mentioned setting. Tools: Data was collected using three tools. Preceptor Role
Knowledge Structured Questionnaire, Nurses Perception about Preceptor Role Questionnaire,
and Observational Checklist for Nurse Skills Regarding Preceptor Roles and Responsibilities
Results: The most 80% of nurses had poor knowledge level about preceptor roles pre –
preceptorship program and 87.5% of them had good level of knowledge post- program. Pre-
program the majority 93.7% of nurses were low practice levels of preceptor roles and
responsibilities. Post -program 82.5% of them were high practice level. Also, there are
statistically highly significant difference between nurses’ knowledge and practice skills about
preceptor roles and responsibilities. Conclusion: The most of nurses had poor knowledge and
skills level about preceptor roles pre-preceptorship program and it level improved post-
preceptorship program Recommendations: Implement preceptorship program for new nurses
to sustain their knowledge and skills regarding preceptorship program. Raise nurse's attention
to seriously observe new nurses’ performance frequently and give proper support for good
contribution.