What is the evidence that can inform the implementation of a preceptorship scheme for general practice nurses, and what is the evidence for the benefits of such a scheme?: A literature review and synthesis

General practice nurse trainees' perspectives on general practice nursing as a career choice: qualitative findings from a vocational training scheme in the United Kingdom (UK)

BACKGROUND

There is a shortage of general practice nurses worldwide to deal with an ever-increasing workload, and the need to attract new staff into general practice nursing is therefore vital. As part of this, a one-year Vocational Training Scheme (VTS) for new to general practice nurses was developed in 2020 by the South Yorkshire Primary Care Workforce and Training Hub.

METHODS

The aim of the study was to examine the VTS trainees' views on general practice nursing as a career. A pragmatic, convenience sample of trainees was recruited. Of the 21 trainees, 17 agreed to take part in the study. Data were collected from the trainees using a series of four regular, timed, online focus groups designed to follow the trainees' trajectory on the programme over a 12-month period. The data were analysed using framework analysis.

RESULTS

The timed nature of the focus groups meant that the analysis of the data was linked to the trainees' trajectory over the course of the year. Three themes were generated from the data: 'pathways into general practice'; 'learning to be a GPN'; and 'the future GPN'. In theme one, the trainees talked of the difficulties in accessing general practice as a new graduate, specifically the need for prior experience and how to get it. In the second, the transition to being a general practice nurse was discussed, and the expectation of being able to 'hit the ground running' once in post. The new graduate participants were also concerned over the opportunities for clinical supervision and support in the role after the programme. Finally, the participant s expressed concern over future opportunities for professional development and the prospects for a long-term career in general practice.

CONCLUSION

To address the worldwide workforce 'crisis' in general practice nursing, sustainable career pathways are needed to encourage new graduate nurses to consider working in general practice. Starting at university, changing the culture and providing the necessary infrastructure to support ongoing professional development in general practice nursing are key to its success.

Assessing trainee's performance using reported observations: Perceptions of nurse meta-assessors

BACKGROUND

Educational and health care organizations who prepare meta-assessors to fulfill their role in the assessment of trainees' performance based on reported observations have little literature to rely on. While the assessment of trainees' performance based on reported observations has been operationalized, we have yet to understand the elements that can affect its quality fully. Closing this gap in the literature will provide valuable insight that could inform the implementation and quality monitoring of the assessment of trainees' performance based on reported observations.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to explore the elements to consider in the assessment of trainees' performance based on reported observations from the perspectives of meta-assessors.

METHODS

Design, Settings, Participants, data collection and analysis. The authors adopted Sandelowski's qualitative descriptive approach to interview nurse meta-assessors from two nursing programs. A semi-structured interview guide was used to document the elements to consider in the assessment of nursing trainees' performance based on reported observations, and a survey was used to collect sociodemographic data. The authors conducted a thematic analysis of the interview transcripts.

RESULTS

Thirteen meta-assessors participated in the study. Three core themes were identified: (1) meta-assessors' appropriation of their perceived assessment roles and activities, (2) team climate of information sharing, and (3) challenges associated with the assessment of trainees' performance based on reported observations. Each theme is comprised of several sub themes.

CONCLUSIONS

To optimize the quality of the assessment of the trainee's performance based on reported observations and ratings, HPE programs might consider how to clarify better the meta-assessor's roles and activities, as well as how interventions could be created to promote a climate of information sharing and to address the challenges identified. This work will guide educational and health care organizations for better preparation and support for meta-assessors and preceptors.

Factors that influence the preceptor role: a comparative study of Saudi and expatriate nurses

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to compare expatriate and Saudi nursing staff's perceptions of factors that influence their role as preceptors of nursing students.

METHODS

Descriptive comparative study using a self-administered survey was completed by a convenience sample of eligible nurses (n=285). It was conducted in five different hospitals within the Ministry of Health in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

RESULTS

Most preceptors were expatriate nurses (70.5%), while Saudi preceptors represented only 29.5%. The findings show that there is a difference between Saudi and expatriate nurses in their perception of the role, that cultural factors influence the role of expatriate preceptors and that organisational factors influence both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Expatriate preceptors felt that there were cultural obstacles that hindered their role. These findings will contribute to the development of a more contemporary and culturally sensitive preceptorship model.

Effect of Nurses' Preceptorship Experience in Educating New Graduate Nurses and Preceptor Training Courses on Clinical Teaching Behavior

Only few studies have examined the preceptor training courses and their effects on clinical teaching behaviors (CTBs) of preceptors. This study investigated preceptors' experiences in educating new graduate nurses and the effect they had on clinical teaching behavior (CTB) based on whether they participated in a preceptor training program. A descriptive online survey method was used, and the participants included 180 registered nurses who were preceptors. The Clinical Teaching Behavior Inventory (CTBI-22) was used, and perceptions of teaching experiences were measured by six items. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression. Preceptors working at general hospitals or hospitals were less likely to have participated in a preceptor training program than those working at tertiary hospitals. The overall mean score of CTB was 89.30, and "guiding inter-professional communication" showed the lowest mean score. Positive perceptions of preceptorship experiences were positively related with CTB, and the number of precepting experiences affected CTB only for nurses having undergone preceptor training courses. The use of role-playing as a method in training courses positively affected preceptors' CTB. These findings suggest that preceptors need support from nurse managers and colleagues, and preceptor training programs should be developed.

Development of the Preceptor Self-Assessment Tool and Use of the Content Validity Index

BACKGROUND

Competency of staff nurse preceptors is an essential factor that determines the success of preceptorship experiences. Competency assessment is complex, and no self-assessment tool exists.

METHOD

This article describes phase two of the development of the Preceptor Self-Assessment Tool (PSAT). A content validity index (CVI) survey was completed by 11 subject matter experts to determine relevance of items on the PSAT.

RESULTS

The Scale-Level CVI (S-CVI) for the instrument was 0.91, and the items CVI ranged from 0.45 to 1.0; most were above 0.78. One item was dropped and three were collapsed, leaving the final number of items at 64.

CONCLUSION

The items on the PSAT have undergone content validity and have been found to be highly relevant. Pilot testing in a large sample of preceptors is warranted to further refine the items on the tool. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2020;51(10):469-476.].