Effect of Nurses’ Preceptorship Experience in Educating New Graduate Nurses and Preceptor Training Courses on Clinical Teaching Behavior

Only few studies have examined the preceptor training courses and their effects on clinical teaching behaviors (CTBs) of preceptors. This study investigated preceptors’ experiences in educating new graduate nurses and the effect they had on clinical teaching behavior (CTB) based on whether they participated in a preceptor training program. A descriptive online survey method was used, and the participants included 180 registered nurses who were preceptors. The Clinical Teaching Behavior Inventory (CTBI-22) was used, and perceptions of teaching experiences were measured by six items. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression. Preceptors working at general hospitals or hospitals were less likely to have participated in a preceptor training program than those working at tertiary hospitals. The overall mean score of CTB was 89.30, and “guiding inter-professional communication” showed the lowest mean score. Positive perceptions of preceptorship experiences were positively related with CTB, and the number of precepting experiences affected CTB only for nurses having undergone preceptor training courses. The use of role-playing as a method in training courses positively affected preceptors’ CTB. These findings suggest that preceptors need support from nurse managers and colleagues, and preceptor training programs should be developed.