Why is preceptorship needed?
Background on the value of preceptorship in staff development and wellbeing.
The Value of Preceptorship
Evidence suggests that a period of preceptorship has positive outcome for practitioners (Irwin et al, 2018; McInnes, 2015; Phillips et al, 2013; Beecroft et al, 2001). For example, Ward and McComb (2017) and Kim (2007) highlight that in the United States, preceptorship facilitates the socialisation of newly qualified nurses into their professional role, and into the health care organisation and health care system. Evidence from the UK (Irwin et al.,2018; Edwards et al., 2015; Feltham, 2014; Kim, 2007) indicates that a period of preceptorship helps to enhance the confidence and competence of new qualified first level nurses and midwives.
Preceptorship is also reported to impact positively on patient experiences and patient outcomes (Edwards et al, 2015; NHS Employers, 2019), thereby supporting the notion of ‘person-centred care’ advocated by Healthcare Improvement Scotland. Furthermore, investment in preceptorship helps to retain nurses, thereby reducing the staff turnover rate and cost, and in the longer term promoting a stable and satisfied workforce (Beecroft et al, 2001; Lee et al, 2009; NHS Employers, 2019).
Evidence specific to preceptorship in health visiting and school nursing is limited, however a small study by Philipps et al. (2013) and evidence from a larger study by Whittacker et al. (2013) suggests that a programme of preceptorship is beneficial to, and welcomed by, health visitors.
The importance of the physical, emotional and mental health wellbeing of the workforce for the delivery of compassionate and quality health care is receiving increased recognition with West et al (2020) highlighting the following three core elements as being essential in promoting a healthy and flourishing work environment:
- Autonomy – the need to have control over their work lives, and to be able to act consistently with their values
- Belonging – the need to be connected to, cared for, and caring of others around them at work, and to feel valued, respected and supported
- Contribution– the need to experience effectiveness in what they do and deliver valued outcomes’
These core elements align with this preceptorship framework.
Investment in a robust programme of preceptorship for newly qualified nurses and midwives as well as those new to a role, environment or practice is beneficial to practitioners, and the patients, clients and families they serve as well as to the employing NHS Board / Health and Social Care Partnership.
This preceptorship framework, therefore, embraces the Principles for Preceptorship (NMC, 2020) that focus on the five following areas:
- Organisational culture and preceptorship
- Quality and oversight of preceptorship
- Preceptee empowerment
- Preparing preceptors for their supporting role
- The preceptorship programme