The Influence of Preceptor Training on Nurse Satisfaction and Role confidence

Abstract

<p>By 2020, half a million nurses will retire, resulting in a significant loss in nursing expertise (Cazier & Spaulding, 2014). Retention of existing nursing staff is critical to the financial and operational sustainability of healthcare systems. Increased turnover is a catalyst to a rise in sentinel events. A key factor impacting retention is nurse satisfaction, which is directly impacted by the culture of the organization. The relationship between a nurse and their preceptor can be a dynamic component in job satisfaction and retention. To preserve satisfaction among nursing staff, a<br />sense of belonging and engagement with the culture of the organization must be palpable. New staff need support as they navigate the organization and as they gain confidence in their role. In the absence of a strong preceptor figure, nurses can experience barriers adjusting to the culture of an organization and attrition can rise. Formal preceptor training provides the skills to facilitate an effective orientation and evaluation of the preceptee and improves job satisfaction and role confidence in the nurse serving in the preceptor role.</p>