The Effect of Preceptorship on the Clinical Competency of Baccalaureate Student Nurses: A Pilot Study

Authors

  • Florence Myrick
  • June Awrey

Abstract

Nursing education has been undergoing major academic changes in the last two decades. In Canada, there has been a widespread change from hospital-based diploma nursing education to college programs. In 1982, a resolution that the baccalaureate degree become the minimum educational preparation for entry into the profession by the year 2000 was ratified by the Canadian Nurses' Association (CNA). This resolution has significant implications for the nursing profession. By the turn of the century, faculties of university schools of nursing may acquire the exclusive role of preparing registered nurses in Canada. University-based programs will be confronted with a vast influx of students, far exceeding their present capacities. It is currently recognized that existing programs are not equipped for the accommodation of the anticipated increased enrollments (CNA, 1982; French, 1984). Already faculty in schools of nursing are confronted with the problem of new graduates feeling inadequately prepared for the service settings (Shamian & Inhaber, 1985). An increasing disproportion in the ratio of students to faculty will result in an even greater strain on clinical teaching. As a result of these developments the onus is on the nursing profession, in particular nursing education, to explore alternative clinical teaching strategies that will assist in dealing with these difficulties. One such method being proposed in the literature is preceptorship.

Downloads

Published

1988-04-13

Issue

Section

Articles