A phenomenological perspective on preceptorship in the intergenerational context.
Pairing a student with an experienced nurse through preceptorship is an approach to teaching/learning that promotes critical thinking, cultivates practical wisdom, and facilitates competence. Frequently, nursing students are of a different generation than their assigned preceptors and differences in worldviews and expectations can impact upon the success of preceptorship.  A phenomenological study, guided by van Manen's approach to human science research, was conducted to explore preceptorship within this intergenerational context.  Data were generated using unstructured interviews with a purposive sample of seven preceptors and seven students recruited from an undergraduate nursing program.  The findings reveal three main themes: being affirmed, being challenged, and being on a pedagogical journey.  The findings of this study have the potential to enhance generational understanding in the pedagogical context and foster a teaching/learning culture in the clinical practice setting inclusive of divergent generational expectations.
University of Prince Edward Island. vfoley@upei.ca
Vicki C
VC
Foley
Florence
F
Myrick
Olive
O
Yonge
D004506:Education, Nursing; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016901:Intergenerational Relations; D008297:Male; D011231:Preceptorship; D013338:Students, Nursing / Q000523:psychology*