Perceptions and experiences of nurse preceptors regarding their training courses: A mixed method study

Background: Although the benefits of preceptor training programs on the performance of nurse preceptors have been reported, research related to nurse preceptors' perceptions of and experiences with preceptor training courses is relatively limited. Objectives: To explore nurse preceptors' perceptions of preceptor training courses and obtain information on their experiences in working as preceptors. Design: A mixed method design was conducted. Participants and settings: Nurse preceptors who currently work at one of eight hospitals in northern Taiwan were recruited to participate in this study. Methods: A questionnaire survey and focus group interviews were conducted. A training course perception scale was developed and generated based on the current nurse preceptor training programs offered in eight hospitals. Focus group interviews were conducted to obtain additional information on nurse preceptors' experiences in working as preceptors. The survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Interview data were transcribed and analyzed using a qualitative content analysis approach. Results: The results from the surveys of 386 nurse preceptors revealed that most courses included in the current preceptor training programs did not fulfill the learning needs of nurse preceptors and were clinically impractical. The most necessary and clinically useful course was the communication skills course, whereas the least useful course was the adult learning theory and principles course. Three themes were identified as problems based on the three focus group interviews conducted with 36 nurse preceptors: inadequate training was received before nurses were appointed as nurse preceptors, the courses were more theoretical rather than practical, and the preceptors experienced stress from multiple sources. Conclusions: The results revealed that the current preceptor training courses are impractical; therefore, the content of preceptor training courses must be altered to fulfill nurse preceptors' training needs. Furthermore, problems identified through the focus group interviews reinforce the survey results.