How to grow our own: An evaluation of preceptorship in New Zealand graduate nurse programmes

Abstract

Effective preceptorship has consistently been identified as an essential support process for graduate nurses in their first year of practice. Quality preceptorship supports a new graduate to develop confidence and competence and is seen as a critical component of any new graduate programme. This paper provides an overview of nurse entry to practice (NETP) programmes within New Zealand, along with key findings from a commissioned evaluation study during 2007-2009 that focused on preceptorship support for new graduate nurses. Findings from the evaluation identified access to preceptors, the importance of the preceptor/new graduate relationship, preceptor preparation for their role and the overall culture of support as important. Nursing leadership is additionally identified as a critical component to support effective preceptorship in any new graduate nursing programme.