Preceptor Education for Specialty Community-Based Nurses: A Pre- and Postevaluation

Background: Quality preceptorship is an integral aspect of nursing education. Evidence suggests that preceptor education programs can be designed to support RNs in their capacity as preceptors. Little has been reported on the effectiveness of preceptor programs for community-based nurses who provide primary health care for preschool children and their families. Method: The project evaluated the effectiveness of a 4-hour face-to-face tailored preceptor education program undertaken by 59 nurses in Victoria, Australia. Pre- and postsurveys were undertaken to evaluate the program. Results: Participants had improved understanding of the role of preceptor after the education program. They had increased confidence in their ability to give feedback, assess clinical skills, and use the clinical assessment tool. They were also surer of the standard of performance expected of students. Conclusion: A strategically designed preceptor program was effective in improving some preceptorship skills of community-based nurses who supervise postgraduate nursing students.