Abstract

Background: Preceptorship has been found to be effective in supporting Newly
Qualified Nurses (NQNs) during their transition into challenging environments, particularly in addressing issues related to confidence and anxiety. Effective preceptorship
is an element of best practice and essential to support NQNs’ transition into the critical care setting. However, the impact of preceptorship on NQNs and their preceptors
in critical care units is yet to be completely understood.

Aim: To review the impact of preceptorship on NQNs and preceptors working in a
critical care environment.

Study Design: An integrative literature review of the literature. The review employed
Whittemore and Knafl’s (2005) five-stage integrative review approach.
Methods: Three databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL and PsycINFO) were searched for
papers published between January 2010 and May 2022. The PRISMA framework
was used to guide the search and screening. Thematic analysis was used to extract,
organize and analyse the data.

Results: Nine studies were included in this review. Reflective thematic analysis
revealed three themes, with four related subthemes. Preceptorship has an impact on
the development of the NQNs and preceptors’ ‘nurturing’ relationship. NQNs
develop their knowledge, competence and confidence when experiencing supportive
preceptorship. Meanwhile, preceptors experience a combination of increased workload and opportunities for learning and professional development as a result of
preceptorship.

Conclusion: There is evidence of the impact of preceptorship on learning and professional development for both NQNs and preceptors, but this is a complex phenomenon and further research is required to understand this area more fully.
Relevance to Clinical Practice: In nursing practice, it is well-established that Newly
Qualified Nurses (NQNs) often face heightened levels of anxiety and a lack of confidence when embarking on their careers, particularly in the demanding and
stressful environment of critical care units. This review holds particular significance in
the realm of clinical practice as it delves into the pivotal role of preceptorship in nurturing the professional growth and development of NQNs within the challenging
domain of critical care. Effective preceptorship, as an essential component of best
practice, plays a pivotal role in aiding NQNs’ transition into critical care settings.

Read the full article here. doi.org/10.1111/nicc.13061