Preparing clinical preceptors to support nursing students in evidence-based practice.
Staff nurse preceptors contribute importantly to student learning and to academic program outcomes; however, academic-clinical partnerships can offer focused learning opportunities for preceptors as well. This study addressed different interest levels in evidence-based practice across clinical settings by testing the effectiveness of a workshop designed to increase preceptor knowledge and endorsement of evidence-based practice. Nurse preceptor participants (N = 160) recruited from seven hospitals during 2009 to 2011 had an average age of 43.9 (SD = 11.5) and an average of 17.0 (SD = 11.2) years of nursing experience. Participants' scores on the Evidence-Based Practice Beliefs Scale improved significantly from pretest to posttest (M(pre) = 59.0, SD(pre) = 8.4, M(post) = 66.4, SD(post) = 6.8, p < .001), which was confirmed by subgroup analyses. At follow-up (1 to 25 months), 52% of the nurse preceptors reported increased use of evidence-based practice. This study indicates that a short collaborative, content-focused workshop can promote preceptor endorsement of evidence-based practice.
Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA.
Debra
D
Hagler
Mary Z
MZ
Mays
Susan B
SB
Stillwell
Beatrice
B
Kastenbaum
Ruth
R
Brooks
Ellen
E
Fineout-Overholt
Kathleen M
KM
Williamson
Jan
J
Jirsak
D000328:Adult; D004508:Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate / Q000379:methods*; D055318:Evidence-Based Nursing / Q000193:education*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009740:Nursing Staff / Q000523:psychology*; D011231:Preceptorship; D013338:Students, Nursing / Q000523:psychology*