COMMITMENT TO THE PRECEPTOR ROLE IN A PRECEPTORSHIP PROGRAM FOR NEW NURSES

The Preceptorship model has been adopted to support new nurses for their
learning in the clinical setting. The success of the Preceptorship model depends very much on the
preceptors. The purpose of this study was to examine the preceptors' perceptions of commitment to the
preceptor role in a new nurse preceptorship program.
Materials & Methods: This descriptive study was conducted in a tertiary teaching hospital in Northwest
of Iran. A convenience sample of forty five preceptors from inpatient wards participated in this study.
The study used a four-part validated questionnaire including Preceptor’s Perception of Benefits and
Rewards Scale, Preceptor’s Perception of Support Scale, Commitment to the Preceptor Role Scale and
demographic and professional information section. Data were collected during March 2016 and were
analyzed using SPSS v.21. Descriptive statistics including frequency, percentage, mean and standard
deviation were used for the analysis.
Results: The research findings show that the preceptors had a moderate commitment to their role as
preceptors (M = 4.49, SD = 0.75). Additionally, support from the nursing admmistrators and coworkers
was considered vital for participation in the role.
Conclusion: The findings of this study have implications for nursing admmistrators and nursing
educators to ensure that appropriate and adequate benefits, rewards and supports are available to
preceptors