Abstract
The purpose of this presentation is to emphasize the critical role of nurse preceptors in supporting new nurses as they transition into clinical practice. It aims to highlight the importance of structured preceptor training to foster a safe, welcoming, and inclusive work environment. This presentation explores the essential role of preceptors in facilitating that transition with the use of the Ulrich Precepting Model. By focusing on the roles of Facilitator, Protector, and Socialization Agent, the presentation seeks to equip preceptors, educators and leadership with the tools and strategies necessary to promote psychological and physical safety, cultural assimilation, and professional growth for new nurses. Ultimately contributing to workforce retention and a healthier organizational culture. As Facilitators, preceptors guide experiential learning, tailoring clinical opportunities to individual learning needs and fostering critical thinking through structured reflection and feedback. As Protectors, preceptors advocate for both patient and nurse safety, ensuring that new nurses are shielded from physical and psychological harm while promoting a culture of safety and resilience. As Socialization Agents, preceptors help new nurses assimilate into the unit’s culture by introducing them to social norms, unspoken rules, and interprofessional relationships. This process mitigates “reality shock” and fosters a sense of belonging, which is vital for retention and morale. The presentation also addresses systemic challenges that hinder effective preceptorship, including time constraints, lack of reimbursement, and unsustainable educational platforms. These barriers contribute to workforce shortages and burnout, underscoring the need for organizations to invest in infrastructure, innovation, and professional development resources. Implications for the nursing profession are profound. By elevating the role of the preceptor and embedding trauma-informed, learner-centered practices into orientation programs, healthcare organizations can improve nurse retention, enhance patient outcomes, and build a resilient nursing workforce. This approach calls for strategic collaboration across education, technology, and leadership to ensure that preceptorship is not only effective but sustainable.
Notes
Presenter notes available in attached slide deck.
Reference list included in attached slide deck.
Sigma Membership
Non-member
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Other
Research Approach
Other
Keywords:
New Graduate Nurses, Preceptorship, Precepting, Work Environment
Recommended Citation
Keeler, Heidi and Boswell, Jodie, "Creating a Safe and Welcoming Environment for New Nurses Through Effective Preceptor Training" (2026). Creating Healthy Work Environments (CHWE). 41.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/chwe/2026/presentations_2026/41
Conference Name
Creating Healthy Work Environments
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Washington, DC, USA
Conference Year
2026
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record. All permission requests should be directed accordingly and not to the Sigma Repository. All submitting authors or publishers have affirmed that when using material in their work where they do not own copyright, they have obtained permission of the copyright holder prior to submission and the rights holder has been acknowledged as necessary.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Date of Issue
2026-04-28
Creating a Safe and Welcoming Environment for New Nurses Through Effective Preceptor Training
Washington, DC, USA
The purpose of this presentation is to emphasize the critical role of nurse preceptors in supporting new nurses as they transition into clinical practice. It aims to highlight the importance of structured preceptor training to foster a safe, welcoming, and inclusive work environment. This presentation explores the essential role of preceptors in facilitating that transition with the use of the Ulrich Precepting Model. By focusing on the roles of Facilitator, Protector, and Socialization Agent, the presentation seeks to equip preceptors, educators and leadership with the tools and strategies necessary to promote psychological and physical safety, cultural assimilation, and professional growth for new nurses. Ultimately contributing to workforce retention and a healthier organizational culture. As Facilitators, preceptors guide experiential learning, tailoring clinical opportunities to individual learning needs and fostering critical thinking through structured reflection and feedback. As Protectors, preceptors advocate for both patient and nurse safety, ensuring that new nurses are shielded from physical and psychological harm while promoting a culture of safety and resilience. As Socialization Agents, preceptors help new nurses assimilate into the unit’s culture by introducing them to social norms, unspoken rules, and interprofessional relationships. This process mitigates “reality shock” and fosters a sense of belonging, which is vital for retention and morale. The presentation also addresses systemic challenges that hinder effective preceptorship, including time constraints, lack of reimbursement, and unsustainable educational platforms. These barriers contribute to workforce shortages and burnout, underscoring the need for organizations to invest in infrastructure, innovation, and professional development resources. Implications for the nursing profession are profound. By elevating the role of the preceptor and embedding trauma-informed, learner-centered practices into orientation programs, healthcare organizations can improve nurse retention, enhance patient outcomes, and build a resilient nursing workforce. This approach calls for strategic collaboration across education, technology, and leadership to ensure that preceptorship is not only effective but sustainable.
Description
This presentation explores the critical role of nurse preceptors in fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for new nurses. It emphasizes the importance of structured preceptor training to ensure successful integration of new nurses into clinical settings. Utilizing the Ulrich Precepting Model, focusing on three key role: Facilitator, Protector, and Socialization Agent. The content highlights the challenges new nurses face and outlines strategies for preceptors to utilize.