Being a Preceptor Is Stressful!

Abstract

Results of a mail survey of 295 preceptors indicated preceptoring nursing students can be a stressful experience, with overwork identified as the main source of stress. Overwork resulted from unsuitability of students for the clinical area, lack of time, and insufficient feedback and guidance. The findings suggest that both students and preceptors require proper readiness assessment and preceptorship preparation. Preceptorship stress needs to be acknowledged; it can be addressed through workload adjustments and by providing feedback and support from nurse educators, peers, and managers.