title: Understanding mentoring and preceptorship: clarifying the quagmire.
abstract: Mentoring! Preceptorship! These two terms are widely used within nursing. The vast literature on mentoring and preceptorship defines these concepts as discrete roles. However, confusion exists as to what defines mentorship when compared to preceptorship. It is apparent that these terms are being used interchangeably, despite the obvious and not so obvious differences portrayed in the literature. The authors therefore have questioned whether the roles of a mentor and preceptor are discrete and unique or can be integrated into one role? Furthermore, is one of these constructs more appropriate to new academics whilst the other is more appropriate for nurses in the clinical setting? This discussion paper is a journey into understanding preceptorship and mentoring and the value of sustaining a relationship with both.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Family & Community Health, University of Western Sydney, Campbelltown, New South Wales.
authors.forename: Angela
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Firtko
authors.forename: Rebecca
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Stewart
authors.forename: Nicole
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Knox
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards; D004506:Education, Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005181:Faculty, Nursing; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D008611:Mentors / Q000523:psychology; D017145:Models, Educational; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D010687:Philosophy, Nursing; D011231:Preceptorship / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012944:Social Support; D013338:Students, Nursing / Q000523:psychology