Developing preceptors’ skills: Experts’ view

Abstract

Background: In Portugal, the legal framework of the Undergraduate Degree in Nursing and the Regulation of Nursing Practice point to the nurse’s contribution to nursing students’ education. Objective: To characterize the process of developing clinical preceptors’ skills. Methodology: Qualitative study, using the Grounded Theory methodology. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 7 expert nurses. Theoretical sampling was used based on the needs identified in the coding process. Data analysis and treatment followed the methodology adopted. Results: The following aspects characterize the development of clinical preceptors’ skills: Primary and secondary socialization at the educational level, and experience, knowledge, analytical skills, and professional initiative at the professional level. Conclusion: Throughout the development of their skills, the experts highlighted the educational and academic experiences that promote critical reflection and a proactive attitude, and professional aspects such as expertise, analytical skills, and motivation.