A preceptorship programme for health visitors and school nurses: a pilot study

摘要

This article presents a pilot study that was undertaken into the perceptions of newly qualified health visitors and school nurses of a structured preceptorship programme. The preceptorship programme involved each participant identifying personal goals and objectives linked to their appraisal, and participating in an action learning set over the first year following qualification. As part of the programme, each participant completed a work-related project. A named senior member of the trust acted as a preceptor facilitator. A mixed-method evaluative study was undertaken into this pilot project. Findings of the pilot showed that the majority of the participants were positive about the impact, value, quality and sustainability of preceptorship and also valued the role of the preceptor facilitator, the project and the action learning sets. The health visitors and school nurses also felt they gained in confidence, competence and leadership skills.