Nurse preceptor training needs assessment: Views of preceptors and new graduate nurses

Background: In Taiwan, regulatory bodies mandate that preceptor training programs comprise six mandatory topics used by all teaching hospitals. These programs have little empirical justification. This study explores the training needs of preceptors from the viewpoints of both preceptors and preceptees. Method: Investigators used qualitative methods to conduct 17 focus group interviews with 63 preceptors and 24 preceptees from five hospitals in Taiwan. A constant comparative method was used to analyze the data and extract themes and subthemes from participants’ experiences. Results: Seven themes were extracted from both preceptor teaching experiences and preceptee learning experiences. Analysis of the empirical data showed that the six mandated topics do not meet the needs of preceptors. This study also documented the concept of “nurses eating their young” for the first time in Taiwan. Conclusion: The findings of this study may serve as a reference for redesigning preceptor training programs in Taiwan.