Effectiveness of an online program using telesimulation for academic-clinical collaboration in preparing nurse preceptors' roles.

AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of an online program on nurse preceptors' knowledge and self-efficacy in their roles to support students' clinical education, and to examine their online experience. BACKGROUND: Professional development of nurse preceptors is paramount to fostering work readiness of future graduate nurses on entering the workforce. The support from academic institutions in developing preceptors' roles in clinical teaching and assessment is pivotal. DESIGN: This study employed a mixed-methods design. METHOD: A total of 59 nurse preceptors from six healthcare institutions participated in an online preceptor program by collaborating with academic educators in facilitating student clinical learning and assessment through telesimulation following web-based instruction. Pre-test and post-tests were administered to evaluate the preceptors' knowledge and self-efficacy in their roles. Survey questionnaires and focus group discussions were conducted to evaluate their online experience. SQUIRE 2.0 guidelines were applied. RESULTS: The preceptors demonstrated significant improvements (p < .001) in knowledge and levels of self-efficacy in their preceptor roles immediately and 1 month after the program. The following four themes emerged from their learning experiences: 'interactive learning approach', 'academic-practice collaboration', 'better understanding of clinical assessment tool' and 'application of teaching strategies'. The preceptors reported positively on their motivation to learn using the web-based instruction and on their telesimulation experience. CONCLUSION: The study findings demonstrated effectiveness and feasibility of an online preceptor program to enhance preceptors' roles in supporting nursing students' transition to clinical practice, using a mix of web-based technologies to provide preceptors with self-directed and experiential learning approaches. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: This study contributed to the development of an innovative online preceptor program that provided opportunity for academic-clinical collaboration and has broad applicability. The telesimulation created robust remote simulation experiences for preceptors, allowing them to collaborate with academic educators in facilitating students' clinical practice amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nurse preceptors' orientation competence and associated factors-A cross-sectional study.

AIMS: To identify distinct orientation competence profiles amongst nurse preceptors and explain the associated factors. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study design. METHODS: The data were collected during the winter of 2020-2021 from registered nurses (N = 8279, n = 844) at one university hospital in Finland through an online questionnaire that included a self-administered electronic version of the Preceptors' Orientation Competence Instrument. K-means clustering was then used to identify nurse preceptor profiles. Chi-square, Fisher's exact test, Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were used to analyse factors associated with competence profiles. The results were reported as frequencies, percentages, mean and standard deviation. RESULTS: A total of three distinct orientation competence profiles (A, B, C) were identified. Profile A nurses evaluated their orientation competence at the highest level, whereas profile C nurses evaluated their competence at the lowest level. Sufficient clinical and theoretical experience, a motivation to work, willingness to orient new employees and participation in orientation and/or mentoring education were found to be associated with competence profiles. CONCLUSION: The findings expand the current knowledge base of nurse preceptors' orientation competence. Health care organizations should recognize different orientation competence profiles amongst the nursing staff since the selection of a preceptor should always be based on possessing the necessary orientation competence rather than availability. The results indicate that preceptors (who reported taking on various tasks and covering multiple roles) need support from co-workers to sufficiently concentrate on employee orientation tasks. The results also indicate that preceptors need further orientation education, which should-for example-outline the learning goals for new employees and how preceptors can assess employee performance. IMPACT: What problem did the study address? Prior research has not applied a robust theoretical framework covering all aspects relevant to a preceptor's competence. What were the main findings? A nurse's clinical and theoretical experience, motivation to work, willingness to orient new employees, and prior participation in orientation and/or student mentoring education were found to influence their level of orientation competence. Where and on whom will the research have an impact? Healthcare organizations can use the results of this study to make the selection of preceptors competency-based rather than their availability. Nurse leaders can use the results of this study to pinpoint which areas of nurses' orientation competence and associated factors need to be improved. Increased orientation competence will enable clinical nurses to provide high-quality orientation to new employees, which is crucial to the retention of nursing staff and the quality of patient care.

Perspectives of nurse preceptors on a web-based clinical pedagogy program and clinical teaching: A descriptive qualitative study.

Nurse preceptors are key stakeholders in providing quality clinical education. This study aimed to explore the perspectives of nurse preceptors on a web-based clinical pedagogy program and clinical teaching. A descriptive qualitative design was adopted. The program was made accessible to the nurse preceptors who were assigned nursing students from July 2019 to June 2020. Upon completion of clinical teaching, a total of 19 nurse preceptors participated in four focus group discussions. The discussions were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim, and thematic analysis was conducted. Five themes, with 11 subthemes, emerged: (i) Undergoing the process of self-awareness and development; (ii) Mastering newly acquired skills to refine own teaching approach; (iii) Implementing consistent evaluation and constructive feedback; (iv) Dual roles and responsibilities of preceptor; and (v) Benefits and barriers of the program. This study highlighted the knowledge and skills preceptors gained through the program which gave them newfound confidence and facilitated their clinical teaching and evaluation. As the shift towards online learning progresses, web-based learning can be a useful platform for professional development of nurse preceptors.

A Clinical Teaching Blended Learning Program to Enhance Registered Nurse Preceptors' Teaching Competencies: Pretest and Posttest Study.

BACKGROUND: Clinical nursing education provides opportunities for students to learn in multiple patient care settings, receive appropriate guidance, and foster the development of clinical competence and professionalism. Nurse preceptors guide students to integrate theory into practice, teach clinical skills, assess clinical competencies, and enhance problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Previous research has indicated that the teaching competencies of nurse preceptors can be transferred to students' clinical learning to enhance their clinical competencies. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop a clinical teaching blended learning (CTBL) program with the aid of web-based clinical pedagogy (WCP) and case-based learning for nurse preceptors and to examine the effectiveness of the CTBL program on nurse preceptors' clinical teaching competencies, self-efficacies, attitudes toward web-based learning, and blended learning outcomes. METHODS: A quasi-experimental single-group pretest and posttest design was adopted. A total of 150 nurse preceptors participated in the CTBL program, which was conducted from September 2019 to December 2019. A set of questionnaires, including the clinical teaching competence inventory, preceptor self-efficacy questionnaire, attitudes toward web-based continuing learning survey, and e-learning experience questionnaire, was used to assess the outcomes before and after the CTBL program. RESULTS: Compared with the baseline, the participants had significantly higher total mean scores and subdomain scores for clinical teaching competence (mean 129.95, SD 16.38; P<.001), self-efficacy (mean 70.40, SD 9.35; P<.001), attitudes toward web-based continuing learning (mean 84.68, SD 14.76; P<.001), and blended learning outcomes (mean 122.13, SD 14.86; P<.001) after the CTBL program. CONCLUSIONS: The CTBL program provides a comprehensive coverage of clinical teaching pedagogy and assessment strategies. The combination of the WCP and case-based approach provides a variety of learning modes to fit into the diverse learning needs of the preceptors. The CTBL program allows the preceptors to receive direct feedback from the facilitators during face-to-face sessions. Preceptors also gave feedback that the web-based workload is manageable. This study provides evidence that the CTBL program increases the clinical teaching competencies and self-efficacies of the preceptors and promotes positive attitudes toward web-based learning and better blended learning outcomes. The health care organization can consider the integration of flexible learning and intellect platforms for preceptorship education.

[Reflection on Nurse Preceptor Training Courses: The Experiences of Nurse Preceptors and Preceptees].

BACKGROUND: The Taiwan Joint Commission on Hospital Accreditation established a nurse preceptor training program in 2012. However, there has been minimal assessment of the nurse preceptor training program from the respective perspectives of nurse preceptors and preceptees. PURPOSES: This study explores the teaching experiences of nurse preceptors and the learning experiences of new nurses, and reflects on the nurse preceptor training program. METHODS: Investigators used a qualitative method to conduct 5 focus group interviews with 15 nurse preceptors and 14 new nurses in a medical center in northern Taiwan. Interview data was analyzed using content analysis. RESULTS: Eight themes were categorized from the teaching experiences of preceptors and two themes were categorized from the learning experiences of preceptees. The analysis of the data shows that this nurse preceptor training program focused on enhancing teaching skills and assessment skills and lacked instruction in teaching affection, guidance skills, and emotion management. CONCLUSIONS / IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: This study may be used as a reference for developing training courses for nurse preceptors in Taiwan.

[Constructing indicators of competence for nurse preceptor instruction skills].

BACKGROUND: The professional teaching competence of nurse preceptors must be monitored regularly. However, the existing instruments that are designed to measure nurse preceptor professional teaching competency seldom examine updated indicators such as inter-professional practice (IPP) and evidence-based practice. PURPOSE: This study constructs indicators for assessing the teaching competence of nurse preceptor. METHODS: Phase I used a literature review to identify appropriate indicators of nurse preceptor teaching competence. Phase II conducted focus-group interviews with 10 nurse preceptors and 6 new nurses from a teaching hospital in southern Taiwan. Content analysis was used to construct a preliminary framework of indicators. Phase III invited 15 experts to evaluate the content validity of the preliminary indicators in two rounds using the Delphi method. RESULTS: The teaching-related competence of nurse comprises 36 items in the five dimensions of passionate commitment to teaching, harmonious learning atmosphere, inductive teaching skills, objective feedback and evaluation, and inter-professional practice. CONCLUSIONS / IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The indicators developed in this study may be used by nurse preceptors to examine their teaching abilities and by healthcare institutions to design preceptor training curricula.

Are we of one mind about core competencies of nurse preceptors? A nominal group technique study.

AIM: This paper explored the differences in perspectives on the core competencies of nurse preceptors among postgraduate-year nurses, clinical nursing preceptors and head nurses. DESIGN: Cross-sectional design with nominal group technique (NGT). METHOD: The sample consisted of 32 postgraduate-year nurses, 42 preceptors and 27 head nurses. Two rounds of NGT were used to collect the group opinions. RESULTS: While the rank/level of importance varied, three groups all agreed that teaching traits, clinical nursing profession, communication and collaboration, teaching pedagogy, reaction of contingency and consultation of academic writing were important core competencies for nurse preceptors. The three groups disagreed on critical thinking and reflection, as well as lifelong learning. This study clarifies cognitive differences and expectations among three groups and can assist medical institutes in designing preceptor training courses.

Exploring core competencies of clinical nurse preceptors: A nominal group technique study.

AIM: The aim of this study was to explore core competencies of nurse preceptors based on the perspectives of postgraduate-year nurses, nurse preceptors and head nurses. BACKGROUND: Perspectives of core competencies of nurse preceptors are varied among postgraduate-year nurses, nurse preceptors and head nurses, which makes it difficult to establish preceptor training programs and develop evaluation instruments. DESIGN: A nominal group technique study. METHODS: A nominal group technique procedure was applied to small-group and large-group discussion. The participants were recruited from the inpatient units at five nonprofit hospitals, each having over 1000 patient beds, in Taiwan. A total of 101 participants were involved in this study: 32 postgraduate-year nurses, 42 nurse preceptors and 27 head nurses, who were respectively sorted into five, six and four small groups with six to eight members in each group. After applying nominal group technique procedure, the core competencies were scored and ranked. Based on the final scores and ranking, the core competencies that the participants felt to be most important for nurse preceptors were identified. The expert panel then integrated these core competencies and derived a consensus. RESULTS: Seven core competencies of nurse preceptors were derived, in order of declining importance: teaching traits, clinical nursing profession, communication and collaboration, teaching pedagogy, reaction of contingency, critical thinking and reflection and consultation on academic writing. All participants perceived that teaching traits (198 points) and clinical nursing profession (161 points) were the most important. Consultation of academic writing is unique, which may be due to the clinical ladder system still being implemented in Taiwan. CONCLUSIONS: The nominal group technique is an efficient and proper method to conduct a consensus for specific issues or values among individuals and groups. The results of this study can facilitate the development of evaluation indicators or instruments as well as provide a direction of continuing education program for preceptor training.

Newly qualified nurses' transition from learning to doing: A scoping review.

OBJECTIVES: To identify newly qualified nurses' experiences during transition to professional practice, and explore their and other key stakeholders' perceptions of nursing transition programmes. DESIGN: Scoping review using the Arksey and O'Malley framework. METHODS: Several electronic databases were searched for relevant articles, which were supplemented by hand-searching and internet searches for grey literature. 1823 potentially relevant articles published between 1974 and 2019 were retrieved from the initial search, and an additional ten articles were obtained from the supplemental search. Each article was independently reviewed, leaving 60 articles eligible for inclusion in the review. FINDINGS: Two overarching themes emerged: 1) the transition experience; 2) the perceived benefits of nursing transition programmes. Evidence that nursing transition programmes positively impact the transition experience is inconclusive. Some studies suggest a positive impact on newly qualified nurses' competency, level of confidence and attrition rates; others reported no impact. There was a general consensus that newly qualified nurses still encounter difficulties when transitioning into professional practice. Most articles found were quantitative in nature, focusing on measurable outcomes of nursing transition programmes. Few investigated the experiences and perceptions of newly qualified nurses, preceptors, and managers regarding the transition to professional practice. CONCLUSIONS: Literature mapping suggests that newly qualified nurses frequently struggle to successfully complete the transition into professional practice, and that this transition is complex and multifaceted. There is limited evidence to justify the widespread implementation of nursing transition programmes. Additional research focusing on experiences and perceptions of newly qualified nurses and their transitory process is warranted. Tweetable abstract: Are newly qualified nurses receiving sufficient transition support (e.g. #nursing residency programs or #preceptorship)? #Nurse #Nurses #nursing_intern.

A web-based clinical pedagogy program to enhance registered nurse preceptors' teaching competencies - An innovative process of development and pilot program evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Registered Nurse Preceptors guide students to integrate theory into practice, assess clinical competencies, and enhance problem-solving skills. Researches have indicated that the teaching competencies of nurse preceptors can be transferred to students' clinical learning. OBJECTIVES: The aims of the study are to develop a web-based clinical pedagogy (WCP) program for Registered Nurse Preceptors and conduct pilot program evaluation. DESIGN: A three-step process was applied to integrate the theoretical framework, evidence from the systematic review, and content validity by the experts and pilot test with the Registered Nurse Preceptors in the content and technical development of the program. The WCP program has unique features including use of dashboard, interactive videos, consultation with experts, discussion forum and backend data analysis. RESULTS: A committee of six content experts evaluated the comprehensiveness, appropriateness, and relevancy of the program. The item-Content Validity Index (CVI) score ranged from 0.83 to 1.00 and the scale-CVI score was 0.87, which indicated that the WCP program had a strong content validity. Ten nurse preceptors were invited to use the WCP program. Preceptors shared that the website was easy to use and navigate. They commented that the videos in each module are beneficial for nurses to understand the real situation in the clinical setting. This feature also makes the website more interactive. Feedback from preceptors was subsequently used to further refine the program. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The WCP program is an evidence-based program that provides a comprehensive coverage on clinical teaching pedagogy and assessment strategies. The unique web-based technology and interactive features provide a platform for nurse preceptors to discuss clinical encounters with peers and consult experts. The flexible and resource-rich nature of web-based learning encourages nurses to use it for continuing education.