The development of competencies for nursing preceptorship in the primary health care environment: a descriptive-exploratory study

Abstract

This is a descriptive-exploratory study using a qualitative approach. Aims: To describe the activities of nurse preceptors in the primary care environment and their role in the training of nursing students; to identify the competencies that those preceptors must develop in order to support nursing student training; to analyze the strategies that lead to the development of such competencies; and to use educational technology to support didactic-pedagogic strategies and competencies. Method: This study has been carried out in three Primary Care Units in Rio de Janeiro city using semi-structured interviews. Participants include eleven nurse preceptors. Results: Data have been divided into two categories: The role of the nurse preceptor in the training of nursing students and the challenges faced by the nurse preceptor in the primary care environment in terms of the needs and competencies required on the part of the nurse preceptor.  Conclusion: The results have pointed to the need for a more proactive approach on the part of nurse preceptors concerning their own practice. Also, they have shown that the preceptors are provided with no precepting training. This results in a lack of planning skills on the part of the nurse preceptors when it comes to engaging in an efficient teaching-learning process.