title: Supporting nurse preceptors through online continuing education.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  A pilot study was conducted to assess the feasibility of using an online continuing education course to increase knowledge and self-efficacy in nurse preceptors who work with student nurses in acute and primary care settings.
  
  
  METHODS
  A one-group pre- and posttest repeated measures design was used. Pre-course knowledge and self-efficacy were assessed with an electronic survey. Post-course knowledge and satisfaction assessments were embedded in the course. Knowledge retention and change in self-efficacy were assessed with an electronic follow-up survey. Analysis used paired sample t tests.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participants (N = 13) reported satisfaction with the course. Participant knowledge increased from pretest to post-course and from pretest to follow-up. Knowledge declined from post-course to follow-up. No change in self-efficacy ratings was observed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study suggests that online continuing education is a feasible strategy to support preceptor learning. Further research on the effectiveness of this approach in changing and retaining knowledge and improving self-efficacy is needed.
authors.affiliation: University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Nursing, 600 Highland Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin 53792, USA.
authors.forename: Susan J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Zahner
authors.forename: Susan M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Tipple
authors.forename: Marsha L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Rather
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Schendzielos
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D003479:Curriculum; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008875:Middle Aged; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011231:Preceptorship