The need for social support among nursing preceptors

THE NEED FOR SOCIAL SUPPORT AMONG NURSING PRECEPTORS

Autori:

Iris GOLDMAN, Stefan COJOCARU

Cod: ISSN: 2066-6861 (print), ISSN: 2067-5941 (electronic)
Dimensiuni: pp. 7-21

How to cite this article:

Goldman, I., Cojocaru, S. (2017). The need for social support among nursing preceptors. Social Research Reports, 9(1), 7-21.

Abstract:

Nursing preceptors have a significant role in the transition of nursing students from the classroom to clinical practice. Despite the training provided to preceptors, their role has been classified as one that is challenging and stressful (O’Connor, 2015) and described as often leading to overload, conflict and burnout. Therefore, it is important to support the preceptors in performing their role. Studies discuss the type of support needed and emphasize that the most significant support for preceptors involves ongoing support. Ongoing support makes it possible for preceptors to share their professional experiences with each other. They lack this type of support, which is considered social support. This study deals with identifying needs regarding support of nursing preceptors in a group setting. The research method is qualitative. A semi-structured interview was conducted with 16 practicing preceptors from a medical centre in central Israel. The sampling method selected is purposive sampling. One of the themes that emerged from the content analysis was the preceptors’ need for social support.