Perception of nursing students to two models of preceptorship in clinical training

Abstract

Purpose: This descriptive survey aimed at exploring nursing students' perception of two models of preceptorship: Model A requires intensive mentorship while Model B requires increasing students' independence and self directed learning. Methods: Convenience sample of 110 nursing students were recruited for this study. Fifty seven who were in courses of adult I and adult II were engaged in Preceptorship Model A, while 53 who were in courses of maternity and pediatric nursing were engaged in Preceptorship model B. Moore's (2009) reliable " Preceptorship Evaluation Survey" was used for data collection. It consists of three dimensions: preceptor's performance, preceptorship support at the practice site, and preceptee satisfaction with the clinical training experience. t-test, independent samples, was used for data analysis. Results: The findings showed that participants' mean scores on each dimension: preceptee satisfaction, program support, as well as preceptor's performance domains (teacher, facilitator, role model, provider of feedback, adept with adult learning, advocate, and socializer) were significantly (p < .05) in favor of Model A. Conclusions: Participants perceived the preceptorship model which incorporates intensive mentoring as more satisfactory than the preceptorship model where increasing students' independence and self directed learning is required. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.