Effect of a preceptor education workshop: part 1. Quantitative results of a hospital-wide study.
BACKGROUND
This study examined the hospital-wide effect of a mandatory 8-hour preceptor workshop on preceptors and orientees.


METHODS
A mixed-methods approach (QUAN + qual) with a quasi-experimental design was used to test nurse preceptors' self-reported confidence and comfort (pre- to postworkshop) in five specific roles in addition to the frequency of coaching critical thinking and providing formal feedback. Additionally, survey items compared cross-sectional cohorts of preceptors and orientees pre- to postworkshop. Orientee retention rates were compared for 1 year before and 1 year after the workshop.


RESULTS
Findings from the QUAN portion of the study are presented. Paired t tests showed that preceptors (n = 131) reported significantly improved results for confidence and comfort in all five specific preceptor roles measured 3 to 6 months after workshop attendance; coaching of critical thinking was increased, whereas provision of formal feedback was not. Preceptor-reported comfort and confidence were not significantly greater in the cohort who participated in the workshop compared with the noninterventional cohort (n = 74). Among orientees, satisfaction with preceptors was not significantly improved for the cohort whose preceptors had attended training (n = 53) versus the previous cohort (n = 39). Among orientee cohorts, greater confidence in critical thinking skills on completion of orientation occurred only among experienced transfer nurses. Orientees who had three to four preceptors reported the highest composite satisfaction. One year postintervention, significantly more orientees were retained (125 of 132) than in the previous year (82 of 94) (chi-square, p < .05).


CONCLUSIONS
Preceptor workshops are effective in preparing experienced nurses to precept new nurses, as measured by self-reported development of preceptors and retention of orientees.
Department of Nursing, Bethel University, St. Paul, MN, USA. K-Sandau@bethel.edu
Kristin E
KE
Sandau
L Grace
LG
Cheng
Zhenyu
Z
Pan
Philippe R
PR
Gaillard
Leanne
L
Hammer
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003479:Curriculum; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D037141:Mandatory Programs / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008611:Mentors / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology; D008910:Minnesota; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology; D011231:Preceptorship / Q000458:organization & administration; D011361:Professional Competence; D015397:Program Evaluation; D036301:Qualitative Research; D020377:Self Efficacy