The Importance of Formal Training in Preceptorship

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 83 views

Introduction

Nursing education in Indonesia plays a vital role in the national higher education system, aiming to produce professional nurses who can provide quality health services in accordance with professional standards and community expectations. One effective teaching method in the clinical environment is through clinical learning, which allows clinical supervisors to determine and apply teaching methods that are in accordance with the objectives and characteristics of students. Among these methods, preceptorship emerged as a strong strategy in improving the competence of new nurses.

Preceptorship: A Strong Strategy in Improving Nurse Competence

Preceptorship is an educational method in which an experienced nurse acts as a guide or role model for new nurses. This program is designed to improve the ability of nurses in carrying out effective practices in the work environment. The preceptorship program is a crucial component of nursing education, as it provides new nurses with the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals and develop their skills in a real-world setting.

Methodology

This study employed a descriptive method using purposive sampling technique to collect data from 44 respondents who were nurses working at the University of North Sumatra Hospital and had undergone nursing education. A questionnaire was used as the data collection instrument to gather information about the nurses' knowledge about the Preceptorship program.

Results

The results of the study showed that 43 respondents (97.7%) had good knowledge about the Preceptorship program, while 1 respondent (2.3%) showed adequate knowledge. However, it is interesting to note that 43 nurses (97.7%) of the total respondents had never attended the Preceptorship training.

Discussion

The finding that nurses' knowledge about preceptorship is quite good is a positive indication of the effectiveness of the program. However, the fact that 43 nurses (97.7%) had never attended the Preceptorship training is a challenge that needs to be addressed. This highlights the need for formal training in the program, which can be provided by the hospital.

The Importance of Formal Training in Preceptorship

Formal training in preceptorship is essential to ensure that new nurses receive the necessary guidance and support to develop their skills and confidence in providing care to patients. With the right training, new nurses will not only get direct experience but can also increase their confidence and competence in providing care to patients.

Managerial Implications

From a managerial point of view, it is essential for the hospital to compile a structured Preceptorship training program, including the introduction of concepts, training techniques, and sustainable evaluations. Involving senior nurses as mentors will create a positive learning environment and have an impact on the professional development of nurses. This will not only improve the quality of health services but also contribute to nurses' job satisfaction.

Conclusion

A deep understanding of the Preceptorship program and its implementation in teaching hospitals such as the University of North Sumatra is very important to create nurses who are ready to face challenges in the world of health today. This program, if implemented well, can be a bridge between the theory learned in college and practice in the field, so that it prepares nurses to carry out their duties more effectively and efficiently.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

The hospital should provide formal training in preceptorship to new nurses to ensure that they receive the necessary guidance and support to develop their skills and confidence in providing care to patients.
A structured Preceptorship training program should be compiled, including the introduction of concepts, training techniques, and sustainable evaluations.
Senior nurses should be involved as mentors to create a positive learning environment and have an impact on the professional development of nurses.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including:

The sample size was relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
The study only collected data from nurses working at the University of North Sumatra Hospital, which may not be representative of nurses working in other hospitals.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on:

Investigating the effectiveness of formal training in preceptorship on the development of nurses' skills and confidence in providing care to patients.
Exploring the role of senior nurses as mentors in creating a positive learning environment and impacting the professional development of nurses.
Developing a comprehensive Preceptorship training program that includes the introduction of concepts, training techniques, and sustainable evaluations.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Preceptorship Program at the University of North Sumatra Teaching Hospital =============================================================================================

Q: What is the Preceptorship program?

A: The Preceptorship program is an educational method in which an experienced nurse acts as a guide or role model for new nurses. This program is designed to improve the ability of nurses in carrying out effective practices in the work environment.

Q: What is the purpose of the Preceptorship program?

A: The purpose of the Preceptorship program is to improve the competence of new nurses by providing them with the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals and develop their skills in a real-world setting.

Q: Who is eligible to participate in the Preceptorship program?

A: New nurses who are working at the University of North Sumatra Hospital and have undergone nursing education are eligible to participate in the Preceptorship program.

Q: What is the duration of the Preceptorship program?

A: The duration of the Preceptorship program varies depending on the individual needs of the new nurse. However, it typically lasts for several months.

Q: What are the benefits of participating in the Preceptorship program?

A: The benefits of participating in the Preceptorship program include:

Improved competence in providing care to patients
Increased confidence in carrying out nursing practices
Development of skills in a real-world setting
Positive learning environment created by senior nurses as mentors

Q: What is the role of senior nurses in the Preceptorship program?

A: Senior nurses play a crucial role in the Preceptorship program by acting as mentors to new nurses. They provide guidance, support, and feedback to help new nurses develop their skills and confidence in providing care to patients.

Q: How can the Preceptorship program be improved?

A: The Preceptorship program can be improved by:

Providing formal training in preceptorship to new nurses
Compiling a structured Preceptorship training program, including the introduction of concepts, training techniques, and sustainable evaluations
Involving senior nurses as mentors to create a positive learning environment and impact the professional development of nurses

Q: What are the implications of the Preceptorship program for nursing education?

A: The Preceptorship program has significant implications for nursing education, including:

Providing new nurses with the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals and develop their skills in a real-world setting
Creating a positive learning environment that promotes the professional development of nurses
Improving the quality of health services by providing nurses with the necessary skills and confidence to provide care to patients

Q: What are the future directions for research on the Preceptorship program?

A: Future research on the Preceptorship program should focus on:

Investigating the effectiveness of formal training in preceptorship on the development of nurses' skills and confidence in providing care to patients
Exploring the role of senior nurses as mentors in creating a positive learning environment and impacting the professional development of nurses
Developing a comprehensive Preceptorship training program that includes the introduction of concepts, training techniques, and sustainable evaluations