Preceptor effectiveness as a mediator of relationship between psychological empowerment and newly registered nurses' intent to stay

Abstract

<p><strong>Background:</strong> The nursing profession is currently experiencing a nursing shortage that is projected to worsen. One in five newly licensed registered nurses (NLRNs) leaves the profession within the second year of practice (National Healthcare Retention and RN Staffing Report, 2018). Work empowerment has been shown to decrease turnover rates among nurses: However, the factors that mediate this concept have not been fully explored.</p>

<p><strong>Purpose:</strong> The purpose of this study was to investigate nurses’ perceived preceptor effectiveness as a mediator of the relationship between psychological empowerment during the transition from an academic environment into practice and intent to stay in practice for NLRNs in South Florida.</p>

<p><strong>Theoretical Framework:</strong> Spreitzer’s theory of psychological empowerment was used to guide this study.</p>

<p><strong>Methods:</strong> A correlational, cross-sectional design was utilized to test the effects of effective preceptorship on the perception of empowerment. A presumptive sample of NLRNs was recruited to participate in the study utilizing a survey methodology. Instruments included a demographic questionnaire, Spreitzer’s Psychological Empowerment Scale (PES), the Rauen Preceptor Role Effectiveness Scale (PRES), and the Price Intent to Stay Scale (ITS). The Baron and Kenny (1986) method were utilized to analyze mediation hypotheses, and multiple linear regression analyses were engaged to predict the relationship between the variables studied.</p>

<p><strong>Results:</strong> The mediating effect of preceptor effectiveness between psychological empowerment and intent to stay was found to be partial. The results were that perceived preceptor effectiveness partially mediates the relationship between meaning and impact and intent to stay. Perceived preceptor effectiveness does not mediate the relationship between competence and self-determination and intent to stay because there is no significant relationship between competence and self-determination and intent to stay.</p>

<p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> During the transition into practice from education, NLRNs are influenced by preceptors who help the NLRN adjust to the physical and mental demands of patient care by increasing nurse psychological empowerment. Psychological empowerment increases effectiveness and innovative behavior, as people with psychological empowerment take the initiative, cope with uncertainty, embrace risks, and are proactive in problem-solving. Psychological empowerment stimulates innovation, concentration, intuition, resilience, and effectiveness. The study results contribute to the development of a fuller understanding of the nature of empowerment, the factors that increase a nurse’s perception of empowerment, and the outcomes associated with empowered professionals.</p>