title: Preceptors' perceptions of their role in a pediatric acute care setting.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study explored preceptors' perceptions of the benefits, rewards, and supports associated with the preceptor role and their commitment to the role in a pediatric acute care setting.
  
  
  METHODS
  A survey with a quantitative and semi-qualitative design was used.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The survey was completed by 266 preceptors, who reported that their experience was mainly positive. They perceived the preceptor role as preparation for other leadership opportunities. The preceptors reported that they experienced pride in the role of preceptor and described the challenges they faced, such as workload and the need to adapt to different learning styles. Years of nursing experience and age were significant factors that influenced their perceptions of enjoyable aspects of the role and the types of support that they needed as preceptors.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Preceptors perceived sufficient benefits and rewards to remain committed to the role and identified workload as a significant challenge. Further research is needed to explore whether additional supports or recognition tailored to level of experience and age may be beneficial.
authors.affiliation: The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. ann.chang@sickkids.ca
authors.forename: Ann
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Douglas
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Breen-Reid
authors.forename: Vera
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Gueorguieva
authors.forename: Bonnie
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Fleming-Carroll
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003625:Data Collection; D004508:Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000523:psychology*; D010371:Pediatric Nursing / Q000193:education*; D010465:Perception; D011231:Preceptorship; D055815:Young Adult