Preceptors’ perceptions of training programs and training needs, experienced barriers during precepting, and development and effectiveness evaluation of a preceptor intervention

Background: Although there has been growing evidences that preceptors’ competency is highly associated with the quality of patient care and retention of new graduate nurses, many preceptors have received limited or no training in preceptorship. Aims: The aims of this three-year study will be: (1) to understand and analyze preceptors’ perceptions relative to current training programs, training needs, and barriers during precepting, (2) to compare the differences in preceptor training programs and training needs among different levels of hospital, (3) to analyze the correlations between years of working experience, types of unit, levels of clinical ladder, reward strategies, and intention to be preceptor and job satisfaction, (4) to understand the barriers in precepting perceived by preceptors, (5) to analyze the correlations between intention to be preceptor and perceived barriers by preceptors, (6) to develop a preceptor training preparedness program, (7) to implement and evaluate the preceptor training preparedness program, (8) to analyze the impact factors on preceptor training preparedness program and intention to be preceptor. Methods: This study will be multivariate design, including: Delphi method, cross-sectional questionnaire survey, focus group interviews, quasi-experimental research design with a nonequivalent control group, and summative evaluation. Instruments used in this study will include preceptor perception scale, interview guide, teaching competency questionnaire, work stress scale, satisfaction questionnaire, and data collection tool. After data collection, the quantitative data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics (number, percentage, mean, median, and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (χ2, independent T test, Pearson or Spearman correlation coefficients, and one-way ANOVA). Finally, Structural equation models (SEM) will be utilized to explore the causal relationship on preceptor’s willingness to join the training preparedness program and their intentions to be preceptors as well. The qualitative data collected from focus group interviews will be analyzed by content analyses to find important themes to develop preceptor training preparedness program. Implications for clinical practice: The findings of this 3-year study will be used as references for nursing leaders to develop an effective preceptor training preparedness program to improve preceptors’ teaching quality during preceptorship and to support new graduate nurses in the stressful times of transition and assure they can provide competent patient care.