title: Teaching strategies used by expert nurse practitioner preceptors: a qualitative study.
abstract: Nurse practitioner (NP) programs utilize expert clinicians as preceptors for their students. Little is written regarding this important role. This study explored teaching strategies used by expert preceptors. Fifteen preceptors in a master's level NP program participated in this qualitative study. The study identified (a) orientation strategies, (b) strategies used with all students, and (c) strategies used differentially according to level of learner. Two distinct preceptor styles emerged from the data ("incremental structure" and "sink or swim"). Preceptors also identified characteristics of student readiness for increased responsibility. Results of this qualitative study can be helpful in preceptor orientation and continued education.
authors: M S
authors: MS
authors: Davis
authors: K J
authors: KJ
authors: Sawin
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Dunn
mesh_terms: D004511:Education, Nursing, Graduate / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D009722:Nurse Practitioners / Q000193:education*; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D011231:Preceptorship; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods*