Preceptors' views on their role in supporting newly qualified nurses.

BACKGROUND: Retention, stress and difficult transition are issues associated with new graduates entering the workforce. International literature has suggested there is a problem and preceptorship models have been introduced to assist new registrants. It is recognised that new registrants require support from a preceptor, however, the literature appears to focus attention on the preceptee's views, rather than the preceptor's. RESEARCH QUESTION: How do preceptors perceive their role in supporting newly qualified nurses/midwives? AIM: The aim of this article is to review the literature pertaining to preceptorship and explore the perceptions held by preceptors in relation to their role supporting newly qualified registrants. METHOD: A qualitative exploratory study was conducted using a purposive sample. Interviews were used to capture the data. FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION: The data analysis identified that overall preceptors do feel prepared for their role, however, they highlighted the benefits of preceptor updates and regular support. Preceptors identified rewards and challenges associated with this role. CONCLUSIONS: The first 6 months of being a registrant has challenges for both the preceptee and the preceptor. The implementation of preceptorship models that include preparation and support for preceptors is essential to alleviate issues of transition, retention and stress. Preceptors identified areas for improvement such as regular update sessions, formal peer support, and protected time to discuss and complete the documentation.

Increase in recruitment upon integration of trial into a clinical care pathway: an observational study.

INTRODUCTION: Many respiratory clinical trials fail to reach their recruitment target and this problem exacerbates existing funding issues. Integration of the clinical trial recruitment process into a clinical care pathway (CCP) may represent an effective way to significantly increase recruitment numbers. METHODS: A respiratory support unit and a CCP for escalation of patients with severe COVID-19 were established on 11 January 2021. The recruitment process for the Randomised Evaluation of COVID-19 Therapy-Respiratory Support trial was integrated into the CCP on the same date. Recruitment data for the trial were collected before and after integration into the CCP. RESULTS: On integration of the recruitment process into a CCP, there was a significant increase in recruitment numbers. Fifty patients were recruited over 266 days before this process occurred whereas 108 patients were recruited over 49 days after this process. There was a statistically significant increase in both the proportion of recruited patients relative to the number of COVID-19 hospital admissions (change from 2.8% to 9.1%, p<0.0001) and intensive therapy unit admissions (change from 17.8% to 50.2%, p<0.001) over the same period, showing that this increase in recruitment was independent of COVID-19 prevalence. DISCUSSION: Integrating the trial recruitment process into a CCP can significantly boost recruitment numbers. This represents an innovative model that can be used to maximise recruitment without impacting on the financial and labour costs associated with the running of a respiratory clinical trial.