Promoting Preceptor Preparation: A QI Project to Better Intern and Patient Outcomes

It was observed by staff on a surgical services unit that new interns were often being precepted by registered nurses (RNs) who had just graduated from the nursing internship program themselves (M. Weller, personal communication, January 26, 2021). It was also found that many nurses taking on the role of nurse preceptor had not received any training or education related to this crucial role (M. Weller, personal communication, January 26, 2021). This was concerning for several reasons. One reason being the possibility that newly graduated interns lack the crucial skills needed to effectively precept and train other interns. Another reason was the possible adverse patient outcomes if interns were not receiving adequate training, guidance, and feedback. Patients can be adversely affected if they receive care from an intern or novice nurse who was not adequately prepared for the nursing role (Saintsing, Gibson, & Pennington, 2011). An indirect measurement of the effectiveness of training for preceptors can be found in patient care outcomes (Cotter & Dienemann, 2016). Patient care outcomes can be adversely affected by interns and novice nurses who receive their training and skills related to patient safety from untrained nurse preceptors. Ensuring that preceptors receive adequate education and training related to the preceptor role will ultimately determine patient care outcomes.