A preceptor program for new graduate registered nurses as part of the introduction to clinical practice with a focus on reinforcing proactive learning strategies

The aim of the suggested project is to support new graduate registered nurses’ (NGRN) professional adjustment, competence development, and intention to stay in the profession by developing and testing a program for preceptorship as part of the introduction to clinical practice. The program will be developed according to guidelines for complex interventions.

The content will be based on theory and practice from organizational socialization, nursing, and stress research, as well as on theories of workplace learning, and behavior change techniques for individuals and organizations.

The target groups are nurses who introduce NGRNs to the clinical work (in this text called preceptors) as well as NGRNs who are starting their first job following their education.

The program will support preceptors’ reinforcement of NGRNs’ proactive learning strategies, which are recognized as imperative for new professionals’ learning and professional adaptation.

Preceptorship programs for enhancing the competence and retention of NGRNs have been requested to address the problem of turnover and lack of experience among nurses in health care to ensure patients’ safety and the quality of care. Available preceptorship programs are limited due to a lack of evidence-based models of theory and practice.

The project will include four studies covering different stages of intervention development from analysis, through model and program development, to feasibility testing, and evaluation of preliminary effects as well as mechanisms of change. Qualitative and quantitative methods for data collection and analysis will be included.

The project will be conducted in collaboration with key stakeholders to strengthen effects as well as dissemination and implementation of results.