Preceptor expectations and issues with nurse practitioner clinical rotations.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was (a) to identify nurse practitioner (NP) preceptor expectations of university faculty members and students, (b) to understand the best methods of communication between university faculty members and the preceptors, and (c) to elicit issues for improvement for the precepting experience.


METHODS
This study was a cross-sectional descriptive design. A survey was sent to all clinicians who precepted NP students from the University of Hawaii from 2003 to 2004 (n= 108).


CONCLUSIONS
The response rate was 67% (28% males and 72% females) with a mean age of 46.3 years. Sixty-eight percent of the respondents were NPs, 28% were doctors, and 4% were nurse midwives. The majority of preceptors expected two site visits per semester (51%), that faculty members should observe two patient visits with students (57%), and 65% said the first site visit should occur in the first 4 weeks of the semester.


CONCLUSIONS
Conducting an assessment of preceptor's issues and expectations of faculty site visits can improve relationships with preceptors and secure and maintain clinical placements for NP students. Recommendations include improving communication, establishing guidelines for site visits, and periodic assessment of progress in preceptor-student relationships.
School of Nursing & Dental Hygiene, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii 96822, USA. Vasquez@hawaii.edu
Mirella V
MV
Brooks
Victoria P
VP
Niederhauser
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003142:Communication; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004650:Employee Performance Appraisal; D005181:Faculty, Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration; D005260:Female; D006254:Hawaii; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D008297:Male; D008611:Mentors / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009722:Nurse Practitioners / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D011231:Preceptorship / Q000458:organization & administration; D013338:Students, Nursing / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors