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

Background & Aims: 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.