Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to review the literature on the skills and competencies of nurse preceptors that are integral to their development.
Methodolgy/Design: The study is qualitative in nature. Electronic databases (Pubmed, Helio, Elsevier) websites and reference lists were searched. Published studies between 2020-2024 were included if they are: 1) Were original research studies published in peer-reviewed journals in English, and 2) Involve skills and competencies of nurse preceptors in the clinical environment. The study's designs are scoping review, a nominal group technique study, and a Delphi technique via email among clinical experts.
Findings: Soft skills include emotional intelligence, learning to recognize others' uniqueness, listening to, and empathizing, empowering others and building trust. Core competencies of communication involve body language, ability to speak, listen, question and write with clarity. In another study, seven core competencies were derived such as, teaching traits, clinical nursing profession, communication and collaboration, teaching pedagogy, reaction of contingency, critical thinking and reflection, and consultation on academic writing. Clinical experts reached a consensus of seven competencies over 19 topics. Preceptors should be able to 1) Debate on the significance of preceptors in the development of nurses, 2) Display good attributes of a role model, 3) Consider elements that influence the transfer of learning model, 4) Provide system, cognitive, and emotional support, 5) Promote evidence-based learning, 6) Conduct a valid and reliable assessment, and 7) Establish their functions with the education and healthcare system.
Conclusions: Good interpersonal and communication skills are essential in the successful and constructive professional relationship. Teaching traits and clinical nursing profession were most important, while consultation of academic writing is unique to a preceptor. The agreed-upon topics could be developed into preceptor-training programs for nurse preceptors, and possibly other health professionals. Furthermore, the proposed preceptor competencies should be validated through research.
This study implied that further research and education are needed to develop training and programs for nurse preceptors. This study reviewed a few literatures that are insufficient to make a strong recommendation. Study's findings may be significant if a systematic review was done to synthesize information.
Notes
References:
American Nurses Association. (2007). Nursing Professional Development Review and Resource Manual. Silver Spring, MD: The Institute
for Credentialing Innovation.
Chen, T., Hsiao, C., Chu, T., Chen, S., Liao, M., & Hung, C. (2021). Exploring core competencies of clinical nurse preceptors: A nominal
group technique study. Nurse Education in Practice, 56. doi: 10.1016/j.nepr.2021.103200
Harde, P., Darley, A., Langan, L., Lafferty, A., Jarvis, S., & Redmond, C. (2022). Interpersonal and communication skills development in
general nursing preceptorship education and training programmes: A scoping review. Nurse Education in Practice, 65. doi: 10.1016/nepr.2022.1033482
Hugo-Van Dyk, L. & Botma, Y. (2021). Consensus on topics for nurse preceptor training. International Journal of Africa Sciences, 14. doi:10.1016/j.ijans.2021.100286
Noble, E. (2020, March). Orientation period: A transition for new registered nurses. Paper presented at Nursing Education Research Conference, Washington, DC. Retrieved from http://www.sigma.nursingrepository.org
Sigma Membership
Non-member
Type
Poster
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Literature Review
Research Approach
Qualitative Research
Keywords:
Academic-clinical Partnership, Transition to Practice, Onboarding, Teaching and Learning Strategies, Nurse Preceptors, Nursing Roles
Recommended Citation
Noble, Evangeline, "Skills and Competencies of Nurse Preceptors in the Clinical Environment: A Literature Review" (2025). International Nursing Research Congress (INRC). 28.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/inrc/2025/posters_2025/28
Conference Name
36th International Nursing Research Congress
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Seattle, Washington, USA
Conference Year
2025
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.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Skills and Competencies of Nurse Preceptors in the Clinical Environment: A Literature Review
Seattle, Washington, USA
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to review the literature on the skills and competencies of nurse preceptors that are integral to their development.
Methodolgy/Design: The study is qualitative in nature. Electronic databases (Pubmed, Helio, Elsevier) websites and reference lists were searched. Published studies between 2020-2024 were included if they are: 1) Were original research studies published in peer-reviewed journals in English, and 2) Involve skills and competencies of nurse preceptors in the clinical environment. The study's designs are scoping review, a nominal group technique study, and a Delphi technique via email among clinical experts.
Findings: Soft skills include emotional intelligence, learning to recognize others' uniqueness, listening to, and empathizing, empowering others and building trust. Core competencies of communication involve body language, ability to speak, listen, question and write with clarity. In another study, seven core competencies were derived such as, teaching traits, clinical nursing profession, communication and collaboration, teaching pedagogy, reaction of contingency, critical thinking and reflection, and consultation on academic writing. Clinical experts reached a consensus of seven competencies over 19 topics. Preceptors should be able to 1) Debate on the significance of preceptors in the development of nurses, 2) Display good attributes of a role model, 3) Consider elements that influence the transfer of learning model, 4) Provide system, cognitive, and emotional support, 5) Promote evidence-based learning, 6) Conduct a valid and reliable assessment, and 7) Establish their functions with the education and healthcare system.
Conclusions: Good interpersonal and communication skills are essential in the successful and constructive professional relationship. Teaching traits and clinical nursing profession were most important, while consultation of academic writing is unique to a preceptor. The agreed-upon topics could be developed into preceptor-training programs for nurse preceptors, and possibly other health professionals. Furthermore, the proposed preceptor competencies should be validated through research.
This study implied that further research and education are needed to develop training and programs for nurse preceptors. This study reviewed a few literatures that are insufficient to make a strong recommendation. Study's findings may be significant if a systematic review was done to synthesize information.
Description
Nurse preceptors play an important role in orientation programs for new nurses or novice in the organization. Nurse preceptors, managers, and educators work together for the development of new staffs. Few research has been found on the skills and competencies of nurse preceptors. Several themes were found, but interpersonal and communication skills were mainly absent. This study will examine the literature on interpersonal and communication skills and competencies of nurse preceptors.