ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Many variables contribute to the success of nursing students and new nurses in their transition to practice. Clinical orientation and training usually falls to staff nurse preceptors. Inherent in this dynamic is the assumption that staff nurses are prepared and able to assume this responsibility. Ideal characteristics and attributes of preceptor competency have not been conclusively defined. METHOD: This qualitative study explored the defining attributes of preceptor role competency as described by preceptors who attended one of 44 continuing education preceptor academies over 9 years in Missouri. RESULTS: Analysis revealed that communication, expertise, flexibility, evaluation skills, and patience are among the most important competencies of nurse preceptors. CONCLUSION: Understanding role expectations would benefit both preceptors and nurse educators who select, train, and support nurse preceptors. Identification of essential preceptor competencies can inform preceptor preparation courses and identify needs for continuing education of preceptors. J Contin Educ Nurs. 2018;49(5):233-240.
Subject(s)
Faculty, Nursing/psychology , Mentors/psychology , Nursing Staff, Hospital/psychology , Preceptorship , Professional Competence , Professional Role , Adult , Attitude of Health Personnel , Curriculum , Education, Nursing, Continuing , Faculty, Nursing/education , Female , Humans , Male , Mentors/education , Middle Aged , Missouri , Qualitative Research , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
Challenges of the current health system in the United States call for collaboration of health care professionals, careful utilization of resources, and greater efficiency of system processes. Innovations to the delivery of care include the introduction of the clinical nurse leader role to provide leadership at the point of care, where it is needed most. Clinical nurse leaders have demonstrated their ability to address needed changes and implement improvements in processes that impact the efficiency and quality of patient care across the continuum and in a variety of settings, including critical care. This article describes the role of the certified clinical nurse leader, their education and skill set, and outlines outcomes that have been realized by their efforts. Specific examples of how clinical nurse leaders impact critical care nursing are discussed.