Does Preceptorship improve confidence and competence in Newly Qualified

Nurses: A systematic literature review

Carole Irwin, Julie Bliss, Karen Poole

PII: S0260-6917(17)30222-8
DOI: doi:10.1016/j.nedt.2017.09.011
Reference: YNEDT 3622

To appear in: Nurse Education Today

Received date: 24 November 2016

Revised date: 21 August 2017
Accepted date: 19 September 2017

Please cite this article as: Irwin, Carole, Bliss, Julie, Poole, Karen, Does Preceptorship
improve confidence and competence in Newly Qualified Nurses: A systematic literature
review, Nurse Education Today (2017), doi:10.1016/j.nedt.2017.09.011

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Does Preceptorship improve confidence and

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competence in Newly Qualified Nurses: A
systematic literature review

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Carole Irwin (a)
Julie Bliss (b)
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Karen Poole (c)
a) Senior Lecturer, University of the West of England.
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[email protected] +44 (0)117 32 88929

b) Senior Lecturer, King’s College London [email protected] 020 7848
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c) Library Learning and Teaching Manager, King’s College London,
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[email protected] +44 (0) 207 848 4620

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Word count 2499

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Abstract
Aim: A systematic literature review to assess whether preceptorship improves

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confidence and competence in Newly Qualified Nurses.
Background: Preceptorship was introduced into nursing in the United Kingdom

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in 1991 with the original aim to improve competence and confidence. This
systematic review was undertaken to review the evidence of the impact of
preceptorship on confidence and competence of nurses in their first year post

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qualifying.

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Data Sources: A comprehensive search of The British Nursing Index, CINAHL,
Embase, Medline, PsycInfo, PyscArticles, Campbell Collaboration; Cochrane,
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HMIC, ERIC, ASSIA, Web of Science, Scopus, Scopus Conference, Web of Science
Conferences; NHS Evidence, OpenGrey, National Technical, NINR, Opendoar,
SSRN, Kings College London and the RCN was conducted.
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Methods: A PRISMA structured systematic review was carried out, 14 papers 4

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mixed methods, 8 qualitative, 1 scoping review and 1 service development,

published between 1996 and 2013 were critically reviewed, and data extracted
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using thematic analysis.

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Results: Four themes were identified from a thematic analysis: measurement,

knowledge and experience, support, and structure.
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Conclusion: While one-to-one preceptorship does influence confidence and

competence, Preceptorship Programmes has greater impact than the individual
preceptor. Due to limited empirical research there is no concrete evidence that
Preceptorship has a direct impact on confidence or competence. Further
research into team preceptorship/choice of preceptors and what impacts on
newly qualified nurses confidence and competence is required.

Keywords: Preceptorship, Preceptor, Preceptee, Newly Qualified Nurse,

Confidence, Competence.

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Introduction

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Nursing education in the United Kingdom (UK) has changed from a practice-

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based apprenticeship to a theoretical model (Higgins et al., 2010, Harrison-White

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and Simons, 2013, UKCC, 1986). This change aimed to produce a practitioner
who is confident, competent and advocates reflective practice and evidence-

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based care (UKCC, 1986, Department of Health, 2010).

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In response to concerns that the theoretical focus would lead to fitness to
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practice issues the UKCC (1991) recommend that all Newly Qualified Nurses
(NQNs) should undertake a period of preceptorship (Whitehead et al., 2013,
Higgins et al., 2010). Preceptorship should support the NQN through the
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transition from a basic safe practitioner to one that is competent and confident
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however no definition of competence or confidence was provided by the UKCC

(UKCC, 1991, UKCC, 1993).
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The term ‘preceptor’ refers to a person instructing or providing tutorage, and it

was in America, when Kramer recorded new nurses experiencing reality shock,
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that the concept was introduced to nursing (Kennard, 1991, Bain, 1996).
Kennard’s (1991) summary of the American research reported no significant
difference in competence following the introduction of preceptorship.

The NMC (2006) updated preceptorship standards and outlined two new aims:
to provide support and guidance to ensure that NQN’s practised in accordance
with the Code of Professional Conduct: NMC (2008a) and to produce a confident
and competent practitioner. All new practitioners were allocated an individual
preceptor to provide guidance and advice, with regular meetings and protected
learning time for the first year of practice (NMC, 2006).

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Current implementation of preceptorship varies from basic preceptorship,

where NQN’s are allocated a preceptor and have regular meetings, to complex
preceptorship, with core study days, clinical supervision, set competencies
and/or trust wide individuals to coordinate the NQN’s development (Clark and

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Holmes 2007, Marks-Maran et al. 2013, Avis et al. 2013), the latter will be
referred to as complex preceptorship in this review.

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There are currently concerns regarding competence and confidence, particularly
in relation to the professional’s ability to advocate for patients (Francis, 2010).

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Increasing patient dependency and the expanding role of the practitioner in the

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fast changing NHS requires a highly skilled and knowledgeable workforce that
can provide efficient, effective and compassionate care (Horton et al., 2012,
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Hartley and Bennington, 2010, Binney, 2009). There is, however, limited
information regarding the impact on confidence and competence by
preceptorship on nurses in the first year of qualifications. This systematic
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review critiques existing research in relation to the efficacy of preceptorship on

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improving confidence and competence in NQNs in the UK. Preceptorship is a

process for preceptor and preceptee and both roles will be considered.
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Methods
The review question ‘Does preceptorship improve confidence and competence in
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Newly Qualified Nurses?’ was designed to analyse existing evidence and used to
find relevant data sources. Using PICO the question was broken into
components: population, intervention, comparison and outcome (Table 1).
PRISMA guidelines informed the systematic review (Moher et al., 2009).

INSERT TABLE 1 HERE

Searches were conducted between 7th and 9th March 2014 in The British Nursing
Index, CINAHL, Embase, Medline, PsycInfo, PyscArticles, Campbell Collaboration;
Cochrane, HMIC, ERIC, ASSIA, Web of Science and Scopus. Intervention was
searched, using truncation and any MESH term, before adding them together

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using the Boolean operator ‘OR’. Fewer than 200 papers per database were
searched manually; search results in excess of 200 were re-searched using the
nurse related facets in the population component, followed by newly/recently
qualified related facets utilizing Boolean operators to combine the results until

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the search produced a number that could be search manually. Grey literature
searches were performed in Scopus Conference, Web of Science Conferences;

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NHS Evidence, Opengrey, National Technical, NINR, OpenDOAR, SSRN, Kings

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College and the RCN in the same timeframe. Where the above strategy could not
be used in the Grey literature sites the Intervention facets were used in turn and

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the results combined. An overview of search results can be found in Table 2.

INSERT TABLE 2 HERE NU

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The results were reviewed against the inclusion/exclusion criteria (Table 3) at
title then abstract level and discarded if they did not meet. The remaining 14
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papers were then acquired in full. They consisted of 8 qualitative, 4 mixed

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methods, one scoping review and one service development, published between
1996 and 2013; their main components are detailed in Table 5. Robinson’s
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(2009) scoping review considered international studies, however only the UK

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papers reviewed are included here.

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INSERT TABLE 3 HERE

The search also identified papers relating to preceptorship in midwifery and

although this review focuses on nursing, it was considered that this data might
add another perspective and so they were included where they met the
remaining inclusion/exclusion criteria.

The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (2013) was used to assess the
qualitative research papers. Silverman’s (2006) recommendations for quality
assessment of any research paper, was used with Pluye et al (2011) to adapt the
CASP qualitative assessment tool to assess the mixed methodology.

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No paper specifically addressed the question posed and therefore a thematic

analysis was data was used to pull out evidence related to the question in order
to collectively review the data (Noyes and Lewin, 2011).

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INSERT TABLE 4 HERE

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Results
None of the papers defined competence or confidence. From the thematic
analysis four key themes were identified: measurement, knowledge and
experience, support, and structure. The quantitative data was extracted in full.

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The quantitative data is summarised in Table 5 and will be discussed in the

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qualitative themes. Leigh et al’s (2005) ten point mean score data has been
converted into percentages to improve comparability.

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INSERT TABLE 5 HERE

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Measurement – the theme measurement considers what to measure,
consideration of previous experience and how competence is assessed.
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Measurement considers how clearly goals, experience and competency can be
assessed; the impact of clarity on what to measure, consideration of previous
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experience and how competence is assessed. However, because competence is

subjective it is challenging to assess (Clark and Holmes, 2007).
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Achieving competency sign off was seen as a significant milestone (Mason and
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Davies, 2013, Darvill et al., 2014) and objectives were considered to be

motivational. One preceptee stated her preceptor communicated clear
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expectations “…you can’t achieve this at the moment but I want you to achieve it
in the summer” (Bradley, 1999, p. 215). Clark and Holmes (2007) found that the
focus was on competencies rather than overall competence, with ward managers
noting that NQN’s were focused on completing specific tasks.

Consideration of the individual’s abilities in relation to competencies was an

issue. While Darvill et al. (2014, p. 1432) reports that the complex preceptorship
“helped …. by recognizing my strengths and areas of future development”, both
Marks-Maran et al. (2013) and Clark and Holmes (2007) reported previous
experience being ignored. One preceptor commented “I’m still expecting to put a
lot of input in the 6 months…they have limited practical experience haven’t

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they?” (Clark and Holmes, 2007, p. 1217). NQNs commented “it’s almost like
putting down what I have achieved … at university … you’re sort of back at the
bottom…it is talked about in the negative tone” (Marks-Maran et al., 2013, p. 12).

Knowledge and Experience – This encompasses the impact of

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preceptorship on competence, experience, confidence and the impact of
being a staff nurse.

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The complex preceptorship in Leigh et al. (2005) found preceptees reported

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increased competence and confidence, although the 25% increase in clinical
knowledge differed from the 5% increase in perceived ability to make the

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correct clinical decision, indicating an inability to transfer learning. In contrast,
ward manager’s reported that preceptees achieved competence in clinical skills
indicates differing expectations - or different standards being applied. The
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results, nonetheless, do not demonstrate a direct link between the improvement
and preceptorship. Similarly in Amos (2001, p. 38) a participant reported it
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“really is the experience (which increases confidence)”. Amos relates this to

preceptorship, although at no point does this participant mention preceptorship.
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Clark and Holmes (2007) and Pfeil (1999) identified that as nurses’ abilities
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grew their confidence increased, but did not demonstrate a direct link to
preceptorship. Marks-Maran et al. (2013) reported that preceptorship provided
NQN’s with increased experience, however in some cases they were discussing a
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complex preceptorship, with extra support, rather than an individual preceptor.

Muir et al. (2013, p. 636) found that preceptors felt they contributed to
confidence and competence, “I helped develop her competence…” and “I
…developed her knowledge and skills…”. While this indicates that confidence
improves with increased competence it is challenging to prove direct causation
to preceptorship; the link to complex preceptorship’s seems clearer. Robinson
(2009) and Marks-Maran et al. (2013) concluded that development of clinical
skills can also come from other sources, such as study days, further complicating
identification of the source of the NQNs increased confidence.

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NQNs reported being “in at the deep end” in a positive way, where the position of
staff nurse resulted in the need to make decisions, which increased confidence
(Amos, 2001, p. 39). A new qualified midwife (NQM) commented that starting in
a new department increased her self-reliance: “…in my old unit, and I might have

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… asked questions that I didn’t … need to ask” (Avis et al., 2013, p. 1066).
However, a participant in Avis et al’s (2013, p. 1066) study found that a new

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environment made them “a bit shaky as never worked in the trust before”. The
literature indicates that, depending on the individual, a NQNs confidence can be

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positively or negatively impacted by the familiarity of the environment.

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The link to preceptorship is not strongly supported by the qualitative data. The
quantitative research, however, indicates that preceptorship can increase NQN’s
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knowledge and experience and this is linked causally to increases in competence
and confidence (Leigh et al. 2005, Marks-Maran et al. 2013, Muir et al. 2013).
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Support - The theme support encompasses the source and level of support
and the impact of feedback.
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The literature reviewed suggests that support is important, and, when provided
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at the right level, it can be highly effective, however if this is overly supportive it
can have an adverse effect (Maben and Clark, 1996, Clark and Holmes, 2007,
Marks-Maran et al., 2013). Support from the wider team appears to be of more
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value, in some cases negating the need for preceptorship (Bradley, 1999, Marks-
Maran et al., 2013, Avis et al., 2013).

Amos (2001, p. 39) stated that the participants reported support as “the single
biggest factor that helps you develop…”. Clark and Holmes (2007, p. 1217)
identified that having a single person “to relate to” allowed for constructive
feedback, nurse development and provided challenges. A nurse who reported a
lack of confidence stated “(the preceptor) helps with that a lot” (Maben and
Clark, 1996, p. 37) and related this single point of support to increased
competence (Marks-Maran et al., 2013).

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Where preceptorship failed participants reported that the support from the
nursing team compensated (Bradley, 1999). Marks-Maran et al. (2013, p. 1432)
corroborate this: “receiving support from other senior staff…”, “… already well
supported…” and “…plenty of support already available”. While support is vital

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to the development of competence and confidence, in some cases the wider
support of the team was considered more valuable; certainly when

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preceptorship did not work this was found to be the case (Avis et al., 2013).

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Conversely Pfeil (1999, p. 15) found that increased expectations impacted
negatively on abilities and confidence “I feel I’m taking a step back in confidence

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and skills” and Amos (2001, p. 38) reported that continuous learning eroded
confidence. Whether increased expectations are experienced as positive or
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negative appears to be linked to the level of support: “as a student… I also had
some backup. I became a staff nurse and it was like I was the backup.” (Pfeil,
1999, p. 15).
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Receiving the right level of support is reported as significant, and indicates a

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requirement to negotiate a level that meets the individual’s needs. In some cases
this worked well “… I only went out when I felt ready …” (Darvill et al., 2014, p.
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14). Preceptors in Farrell and Chakrabarti (2001, p. 97) stated “I wanted to see
them grow from people who were frightened… somebody who is confident…”, “…
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I have helped two people and I feel really proud”.

Unfortunately, the level of support was also reported at times to be overly

invasive, with statements such as “crowd me too much”, “let go of the apron
strings” (Clark and Holmes, 2007, p. 1217) and “…it didn’t do much for my
confidence…it was like they were there all the time, looking over my shoulder…”
(Darvill et al., 2014, p. 11). Indicating that achieving the right level of support to
meet the individual’s requirements is challenging but this balance is important to
developing competence and confidence.

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Structure – this includes individual preceptorship and complex
preceptorship, the choice/number of preceptors and the preceptors’
abilities and resources.

Structured preceptorship programmes, complex preceptorship, have the

potential to build confidence (Clark and Holmes, 2007), however not all

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programmes were well structured - although this did not appear to have worried
the preceptees (Marks-Maran et al., 2013, Avis et al., 2013, Bradley, 1999).

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Where the team was supportive the lack of structure was not concerning (Clark

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and Holmes 2007) however poor support led to comments such as “preceptor is
kind of like in inverted commas I suppose” (Avis et al., 2013, p. 1065). This

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particular participant had never met with their preceptor and no one had
enquired how she was progressing.
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The question of choice and number of preceptors was raised in seven of the
studies. Marks-Maran et al. (2013) reported 70% of preceptees wanted to be
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able to choose their own preceptor. Further, of the 15% that did not value
preceptorship, a key reason was relationship issues, “I found her patronising…”
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(Marks-Maran et al., 2013, p. 1432). Amos (2001) reports preceptors feeling

unable to refuse preceptorship and lacking motivation. Both issues resulted in a
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negative experience. Of serious concern were two papers that reported bullying
and harassment (Maben and Clark, 1996, Mason and Davies, 2013). It appears
that these issues significantly impacted on the NQN’s confidence.
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The papers that report value in allowing preceptees to choose their preceptor
acknowledge the challenge this poses; one suggestion is to have multiple
preceptors for each preceptee. In Pfeil’s (1999) paper some participants felt that
having only one preceptor led to a narrow view of practice. Darvill et al. (2014)
reported on the benefits of a team approach. Farrell and Chakrabarti (2001, p.
98) heard “… it was not just a one-person thing…” and “…I could ask any one of
them for … support”. Further Farrell and Chakrabarti (2001, p. 98) reported duel
or team preceptorship was positive for the preceptor “…we were able support
each other and if there were problems we went to each other…”.

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Time and accessibility constraints impacted negatively on preceptorship

(Bradley, 1999, Farrell and Chakrabarti, 2001, Boon et al., 2005). Over the period
of their preceptorship 12% of preceptees had had only one meeting, and 6% no
formal contact with preceptor (Marks-Maran et al., 2013). In some cases the

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preceptor tried to establish contact if they knew the preceptee had had a bad
day, but in other cases the preceptee was left to the support of the wider team

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(Farrell and Chakrabarti (2001).

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While the papers reviewed seemed unconcerned about the ad hoc nature of
preceptorship, they report that more structure would improve the experience.

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Structure is not linked directly to confidence and competence, however it
impacts on support, accessibility and measurement, all of which are linked to
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increasing NQNs confidence and competence. Using multiple preceptors would
reduce personality issues in the relationship, and expose the preceptee to a
wider view of practice, and supporting the preceptor.
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Discussion
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Whitehead’s (2001) study on the transition from student to qualified nurse and
Dearmun (2000) research on NQN’s perceptions of their first year qualified
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supports the finding that increased knowledge and experience improved NQN’s
confidence. Hardyman and Hickey (2001) highlight teaching clinical skills as an
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important part of preceptorship, however the empirical research is weak in

demonstrating causation between preceptorship and increased knowledge and
experience. Hardyman and Hickey (2001) demonstrate that complex
preceptorship, rather than individual preceptorship, improved clinical skills
development and confidence. Banks et al. (2011) report statistically significant
competency improvements in advanced communication skills through complex
preceptorship.

There is significant support for the idea that it is impossible to fully prepare for
the realities of being a qualified nurse. O’Shea and Kelly (2007) and Whitehead
(2001) both reported research participants stating that college cannot teach you

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how to multitask or prioritise. These papers also report positive and negative
impacts, dependant on the individual and support from the team, as found in this
paper.

Whitehead (2001), and Walker (1986) found NQN’s were more confident and

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more likely to acknowledge their limitations than in 1985, and they have a more
active learning style, linked to changes in training. However, active learning

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relies on the NQN knowing what they don’t know (Gerrish, 2000, Bradshaw,
1998). Without clear communication of standards expected, and the provision of

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appropriate support and feedback, NQNs learning could lack the required
rationale and result in poor care.

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The NQN can only absorb limited aspects of new situations. This correlates to the
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concept of advanced beginner (Benner, 1982) and may explain why too much,
too soon impacts negatively on confidence. This issue was also identified by both
Bradshaw (1998) and Hollywood (2011) as impacting negatively on the NQN,
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although Hollywood maintains that this is a support issue.

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Support plays a key role in improving confidence and competence, with support
from the ward, rather than a single preceptor being more effective (O'Shea and
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Kelly, 2007). If an NQN is an advanced beginner, on-going learning could be

considered task-orientated while they develop meaningful experience. This
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would explain why support is essential but that the source is less relevant.

Research reported the benefits of support from the team, and suggests
preceptorship is superfluous (Hughes and Fraser, 2011, Whitehead, 2001, Maben
and Macleod Clark, 1998, Hollywood, 2011). Maben and Macleod Clark (1998)
Hughes and Fraser (2011) and Hollywood (2011) described negative impacts,
including increased uncertainty and disillusionment resulting from a lack of
support. None of the research mentions the effects of too much support, as
reported in this review.

The impact of a lack of standardisation over what competence, competency and

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competencies mean is supported by the literature (Bradshaw, 1998, Butler et al.,
2011, Dolan, 2003). The ‘Standards for Competence for Registered Nurses’
requires nurses to be competent, but does not define it. A lack of competence is
defined as a lack of knowledge, skill or judgment resulting in the individual being
unfit to practice {NMC, 2014 #2239}; this definition is itself open to

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interpretation.

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Literature suggests that competence is the individual’s ability to do the job,
competencies measure the individuals’ competence, and competency is the

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underlying attributes and behaviours of the individual. Competency is hard to
measure through observation (Bradshaw, 1997, Zhang et al., 2001). The

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commonest preceptorship assessment methods are competencies or objectives.
Among the concerns raised, it is felt that they can cause the individual to
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concentrate on achieving tasks rather than holistic learning (Bradshaw, 1997,
Dolan, 2003).
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Other criticisms of competencies include their subjectivity; Fordham (2005)

suggested competencies are, a ‘one fits all’ tool, reducing individualised learning.
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It is difficult to formulate goals in clear language, increasing subjectivity (Butler

et al., 2011). O’Connor et al’s (2001) and Maben and Macleod Clark (1998) report
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inconsistencies in expectations: senior staff had far higher expectations than

preceptors. This verifies the need for agreed definitions and measurable
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assessment methods. Hickey (2010) recommends hospital wide competencies,

with further specialty specific ones.

Some competencies aim to assess attitudes and behaviours, but these remain
subjective, and so lack validity. Dolan, (2003) and Fordham, (2005) question
whether an external person can assess another’s behaviour. For competencies
to be effective they must be specific, measurable, agreed and achievable, realistic
and resourced, and time-bound (Atherton, 2013) and allow for the learners
existing knowledge, skills and experience.

Andragogy is based on involving the learner (Hand, 2005, O'Shea, 2003) and

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underscores the finding that ignoring preceptees existing knowledge and
experience impacts negatively on their experience (Hollywood, 2011, Hickey,
2010, Ockerby et al., 2009, Bradley, 1998).

Benner (1982) expects that, at qualification, the NQN will initially focus on task

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requirements before moving into cognitive understanding with the ability to
transfer learning. This is consistent with the individual initially being taught

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using behaviourism before developing a cognitive approach, taking them from
competencies that are task-based into ones that develop their ability to transfer

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their learning to different situations (Hillier, 2005). If the initial assessment is
conducted using Benner (1982) then the preceptee can commence at an

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appropriate level, and an effort be made to synthesise their existing knowledge
with their new learning experiences.
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The NMC (2008b) encourages the development of lifelong learners (LLL).
Educational theory considers LLL in reference to a surface learner evolving into
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a deep learner, but there is limited research on how a deep learner is created.
(Reece and Walker, 2006, Worrow, 2005). Hand (2005) and Fearon (1998)
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concluded that involving the whole team, using existing evidence, with required
skills and abilities identified for NQN’s, to create agreed competencies, with an
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element of flexibility for individual needs, supports the learners engagement in

their own development.
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International findings and research surrounding complex preceptorship reflect

the reviews concerns regarding lack of structure, with studies by O'Shea and
Kelly (2007), Whitehead (2001) and Maben and Macleod Clark (1998) all
concluding that mandatory, formalised complex preceptorship would increase
the confidence and competence of the preceptees. The finding that too much
structure is detrimental to the preceptee is not covered in the wider research.

Whilst Benner (1982) assessed the advanced beginner at a level that fits with a
NQN, she considers the next level, a competent practitioner, to be a nurse with 2
to 3 years’ experience. This is significantly more than the one year recommended

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for preceptors by the NMC (2006). Additionally, preceptor training is locally
managed, and while the NMC has robust training requirements outlined, there is
limited focus on preceptorship regarding content or standards. Hickey (2010)
concluded that an expert nurse is not necessarily an effective teacher and
recommended training to include the principles of adult learning and how to

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provide constructive feedback. Ockerby et al (2009) concur, noting that
participants indicated they would benefit from preceptors recognising a range of

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learning styles and treating them as individuals. They further state that in some
cases the preceptor was reluctant in the role, significantly impacting on the

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relationship.

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The impact of the relationship dynamic and the right to choose a preceptor is
also evident in the literature. Carroll (1992) supported the ability to choose and
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Halfer (2007) considered the effects of matching preceptees with preceptors
based on personality styles, which resulted in a reduction in the preceptorships
duration. Cubit and Ryan’s (2011) report that some people were better at being
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a preceptor than others, and that preceptees quickly learnt who to ask; a finding
also reported by Hughes and Fraser (2011). There are concerning reports of
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disengaged preceptors, similar to the findings in the review, with additional

accounts of bullying and harassment (Hughes and Fraser, 2011, Maben and
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Macleod Clark, 1998, Cubit and Ryan, 2011).

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Scells and Gill (2007) considered team precepting and these findings support the
use of team preceptorship, specifically in its capacity to provide increased
support and promote confidence. However Cubit and Ryan (2011) reported that
having more than one preceptor made assessment difficult. With minimal
research on team preceptorship, multiple preceptors or the impact of choice, it is
challenging to identify whether some of the issues reported in the research could
be resolved.

One of the biggest issues with preceptorship was preceptor availability, which
continues to be a theme across all literature (Halfer, 2007, Banks et al., 2011,
Bick, 2000, Hughes and Fraser, 2011, Hollywood, 2011) although interestingly

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not in Scells and Gill (2007) team approach. This may indicate a further benefit
from a team or multiple preceptor approach.

Conclusion
The evidence suggests that preceptorship does improve confidence and

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competence; although the link to improved confidence is clearer. Interestingly,
the results indicate that the impact of the wider team and a complex

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preceptorship is greater than the impact of an individual preceptor. Finally, the

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abilities and motivation of the preceptor, the level of support, clarity on what to
measure and variability or lack of structure are key factors influencing the

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efficacy of preceptorship.

Overall there is limited research on the impact of preceptorship on NQN’s

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confidence and competence. Considering this is one of two main aims of the
preceptorship process, focused research is required to give a greater
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understanding of this phenomenon. There are however indications that

improving structure, defining competence and how to measure it, and improving
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preceptor training and abilities would be beneficial to the preceptorship process.

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It is important to acknowledge potential limitations to this systematic review.

Inexperience may have led to transcription, interpretation or methodology
errors. Clear methodology and independent checks should minimise mistakes.
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As preceptorship is currently a recommendation, a significant number of the

suggestions for policy and practice would benefit from NMC guidance and
incorporation in national standards.

This review recommends the following for practice, policy and research:
Research
 Further research on the benefits of multiple/team precepting.
 Research aimed specifically at identifying the impact of preceptorship on
confidence and competence, in order to demonstrate efficacy.

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 Research to assess whether preceptorship or wider nursing team support
has greater impact on confidence.
 Comparative research of basic preceptorship against complex
preceptorships impact on preceptees’ confidence and competence.

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Practice and Policy
 Nationally agreed definitions of competency and standard competencies

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created using educational theory.
 Nationally agreed training for preceptors including adult education

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theory, learning styles, assessment of the preceptees current skills and
abilities and feedback skills, to improve the preceptor’s skills and reduce

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inconsistency.
 Development of minimum requirements for becoming a preceptor,
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including a longer minimum level of post qualification experience.
 Identification of skills and abilities required of nurse preceptors and the
resources to make this a desirable role with development opportunities.
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 Development of preceptorship to include essential requirements,

including clinical supervision and basic skills study days to improve
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NQN’s competence.
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Table 1 – The use of PICO to form a search strategy regarding the impact of Preceptorship
Confidence and Competence in on Newly Qualified Nurses
Population Intervention Comparison Outcome
Newly Qualified Preceptorship Nil Confidence and
Nurses Competence

Newly qualified Preceptor Confidence

New qualified Preceptee Confident

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Recent qualified Preceptorship Assured
Recently qualified Precepting Positive
Secure

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Nurse
Nurses Competence
Nursing Competent

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Capable
Professional Capability
Practitioner Skills/ed
Abilities/y

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*RN assumed to be Knowledge/able
included in nurse Aptitude
search term Proficiency/t
Experience/d
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Perception
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Table 2 Search results
Table based on (Moher et al., 2009)
PICO terms search

Database Search Grey literature Search

BNI – 61 Scopus conference – 0
CINHAL – 81 Web of science Conferences – 0

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Embase – 151 Evidence.nhs.uk –
Medline – 155 preceptorship 141, preceptor
Identified

PsychInfo – 20 182

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PsychArticles – 1 Opengrey – 2
Campbell SR – 0 National technical – 28

SC
Cochrane – 32 NINR – 0
HMIC – 90 Opendoer – 0
ERIC – 13 SSRN – 5
ASSIA – 23 Kings College – 4

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Web of Science – 19 RCN - 1
Scopus – 58
MA
Title review against
Inclusion/exclusion criteria

BNI – 54
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CINHAL – 61 Scopus conference – 0

Embase – 83 Web of science Conferences – 0
Medline – 80 Evidence.nhs.uk –19
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PsychInfo – 8 Opengrey – 1
Campbell SR – 0 National technical – 0
Cochrane – 1 NINR – 0
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HMIC – 46 Opendoer – 0
PsychArticles – 0 SSRN – 0
ERIC – 8 Kings College – 4
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ASSIA – 21 RCN - 1
Web of Science – 18
Screening

Scopus - 48

Abstract Review against

Inclusion/exclusion
criteria BNI – 33
CINHAL – 33
Embase – 24 Scopus conference – 0
Medline – 25 Web of science Conferences – 0
PsychInfo – 1 Evidence.nhs.uk –3
Campbell SR – 0 Opengrey – 1
Cochrane – 1 National technical – 0
HMIC – 10 NINR – 0
PsychArticles – 0 Opendoer – 0
ERIC – 6 SSRN – 0
ASSIA – 15 Kings College – 3
Web of Science – 9 RCN - 1
Scopus - 21
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81 after duplicates
removed

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Manual Search of
Systematic Reviews

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Eligibility

added 2 papers = 83
papers for review

SC
Compared and

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inclusion/exclusion
= 14 for review
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ED
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Table 3 – Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria
Inclusion Rationale Exclusion
 Studies based in the UK  NMC preceptorship  Not UK based
 Empirical studies is based within UK  Letter or editorial
 Written in English  Preceptorship  Nurses qualified more than
 Nurses qualified less than relates to nurses in one year

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one year. first year post  Student nurses
 Includes competence or qualifying  Pre 1991 (year

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confidence (or linked  Review is preceptorship was founded
MESH terms) in the article, considering impact by UKCC)

SC
title or abstract on confidence and  Does not mention
 Studies that have any competence confidence or competence

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results relating to  Limited to first year
competence or confidence of qualification
linked to preceptorship (or regardless of
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linked MESH terms) location.
 Location – primary,
secondary or tertiary care
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based
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Table 4 – Summary of papers included
Author and Study Aim(s) Methodology Sample Data M
Date Analysis fi
to
a
(Amos, 2001) o To consider whether P2000 Explorative evaluation 5 newly Interviews -

PT
(diploma qualification) courses are study using semi- qualified transcribed in
producing nurses skilled in critical structured interviews for nurses for verbatim and am
thinking and analysis. group of newly qualified semi- content q

RI
o To highlight areas of weakness in nurses on a gynaecological structured analysis used. -
nurse education that requires change ward and focus groups for interviews Rare in
and adaption. a group of newly qualified 5 newly concepts and in

SC
o To identify strategies that support and nurses on surgical or qualified themes k
promote role transition from a newly medical wards as nurses for eliminated. ex
qualified staff nurse to a fully functioning comparison. focus groups
staff nurse.

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MA
ED
PT

(Avis et al., o Transition experiences of newly Semi-structured diary kept Unknown Diary data -
CE

2013) qualified midwives were examined in for 6/12 by Newly number analysed by in
depth during the third phase of a UK qualified midwives and requested but local w
evaluation study of midwifery questionnaires completed 79 consented, researcher, -
education. by preceptors. Semi 73 eligible, using w
AC

structured interviews for 35 completed guidelines. in

sub sample of Newly the diaries. Interpretatio co
qualified midwives Each preceptor n checked by te
and supervisor lead m
approached to researcher -
participate not for the area. th
stated how No mention o
many did. of data en
Interviews for synthesis
sub group, method.
number No mention
unspecified but of
≥6. questionnaire
and interview
data analysis
method.

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Table 4 – Summary of papers included
Author and Study Aim(s) Methodology Sample Data M
Date Analysis fi
to
a
(Boon et al., o To ascertain whether a community Semi structured interviews 24 Newly Audiotaped; -

PT
2005) placement in a preceptorship before and after qualified transcribed in
programme provided the right completion of the amended midwives by u
balance between consolidation of programme. invited, 24 professional p

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skills and confidence. consented, 10 transcribe. p
agreed to be Incomplete -
interviewed. due to use of in

SC
Unknown medical fo
number of terminology. o
preceptors Background
requested, 4 noise led to 7

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consented. of the 24
interviews
not being
transcribed.
MA
ED
PT

(Bradley, o Examine the experiences of newly Qualitative study of focus 8 in group, 6 Interviews -
CE

1999) qualified staff nurses following P2000 group prior to and in- completed. transcribed p
child branch education, in which the depth interviews 5 months but not clear st
experience of preceptorship was post qualifying. how. Content sp
explored. analysis co
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conducted m
but no details –
provided. p
st
w
to
th
ge
su
en
-
p
li
av
en
co
p
-P
su
sk
k

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Table 4 – Summary of papers included
Author and Study Aim(s) Methodology Sample Data M
Date Analysis fi
to
a
(Clark and o To gain an understanding of the way Qualitative exploratory 105 in focus Content –T

PT
Holmes, 2007) that competence develops amongst study - combination of 12 groups (50 analysis cl
nurses and how their managers and focus groups and 5 newly qualified identifying is
those working with them see this. interviews. nurses, 55 themes and –

RI
experienced categories. h
nurses an
including 11 at

SC
practice le
development gi
teachers) –C
5 managers li

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interviewed. co
vi
(Darvill et al., o Experiences of newly qualified Semi structured interviews 8 newly Thematic -T
2014) children’s nurses in England who and fieldwork observation. qualified analysis of for su
MA
commenced in community posts. nurses for Semi Semi im
Structured Structured en
Interviews and Interviews im
94 hours Framework -
observation. approach for o
ED

observation m
-
ac
o
PT

n
o
(Farrell and o Evaluate the effectiveness of their Face to face questionnaire 17 newly Database -
CE

Chakrabarti, organisations preceptorship and 2 Focus groups. qualified software for o

2001) arrangement. nurses for production of p
questionnaire, descriptive m
sub group of 5 statistics for -
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for FG. questionnaire im

Thematic te
analysis of p
focus groups -
im
co
-
ca
p
(Leigh et al., o To discuss the results of the Questionnaire sent to 34 preceptees Unclear -
2005) evaluation, assessment and preceptees pre and post 12 ward process of im
effectiveness of the new trust wide preceptorship. Post managers. data analysis. co
clinical practice development of preceptorship Likert scale th
preceptorship programme for newly questionnaire to used but no ar
qualified nurses. respective ward managers. mention of -
how this was im
analysed. co
m

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Table 4 – Summary of papers included
Author and Study Aim(s) Methodology Sample Data M
Date Analysis fi
to
a
(Maben and o Experiences of newly qualified Interviews 10 Interviews -

PT
Clark, 1996) P2000 diplomats. were im
Questionnaires sent to two Of 26 responses, transcribed q
Information cohorts – total of 62, 26 18 agreed to be and analysed co

RI
gained directly returned. All requested if interviewed but but no details -
from they wished to be 7 did not meet given. en
researcher in interviewed. criteria, 1 did im

SC
Italics not attend. 5 co
from each
cohort
interviewed

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which met the
required
amount.
MA
ED
PT

(Marks-Maran o Evaluation of a preceptorship Mixed methods – using 90 – 44 Quantitative -

CE

et al., 2013) programme for newly qualified questionnaires, reflective completed. data analysis d
nurses. journals and audio used SPSS im
recordings made by version 18. co
preceptees. Descriptive co
AC

statistics, t -M
tests and fi
cronbach’s va
alpha used.
Qualitative
data coded
and themes
identified,
these then
mapped
against
qualitative
data. The
framework
allowed the
strength of
the themes
and sub
themes to be
measured.

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Table 4 – Summary of papers included
Author and Study Aim(s) Methodology Sample Data M
Date Analysis fi
to
a
(Mason and o Structured evaluation of midwifery Focus groups and 6 newly Unclear data -

PT
Davies, 2013) programme of preceptorship to interviews. qualified collection sk
identify strengths and weaknesses to midwives process for is
further develop the programme. 6 Preceptors interviews. -D

RI
4 Managers Thematic co
analysis. im
co

SC
-
p
te
co

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MA
ED
PT

(Muir et al., o To evaluate the preceptors Linked to (Marks-Maran et 90 – 40 Quantitative -

CE

2013) perception of the preceptorship al., 2013). Mixed methods completed data analysis th
programme. using questionnaires and used SPSS p
interviews. version 18. co
Descriptive -
AC

statistics, t th
tests and p
Cronbach’s co
alpha used.
Quantitative
data
structured
around 7
themes.
Qualitative
data recorded
and thematic
analysis
made using
framework
method.
These related
to
quantitative
themes and
extras added.

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Table 4 – Summary of papers included
Author and Study Aim(s) Methodology Sample Data M
Date Analysis fi
to
a
(Pfeil, 1999) o To increase the understanding of Mixed methods although 16 newly Qualitative -

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preceptorship: states qualitative. qualified data im
o Does it enable the preceptees to Two staged semi nurses transcribed p
develop from a learner to an structured interviews. 19 preceptors, and thematic co

RI
accountable practitioner? Questionnaires were also 18 consented. analysis used. -
o How do the competence and safety distributed for ordinal data Quantitative p
levels of the preceptees develop? collection to the sample on data im

SC
a monthly basis for six manually -
months. analysed. o
b
-

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sh
fo
th
su
MA
n
(Robinson, o Scoping review to assess the Review of existing Literature Not discussed -
2009) evidence from existing schemes evidence. review 12 af
relating to the receipt of research an
preceptorship. articles. an
ED

-
p
d
co
PT

w
w
li
CE
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Table 5 – Quantitative Data
Author and Aspect Results
type/source
Farrell and Chakrabarti Frequency of meetings 82% had 3+
(2001) – data. meetings
12% had 1 meeting
6% had none

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Completion of learning contracts 65% completed 1+
contract
Achieved required competency for admission 94% - one failed
Achieved required competency for discharge 88% - two failed

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Leigh et al. (2005) – Comfortable with the level of clinical knowledge 25% increase
preceptee self-reported possessed
score pre and post –

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the difference in score
converted into a
percentage
Comfortable dealing with patient, and relatives questions 26% increase

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and concerns
Confidence in what is expected from them as a staff 39% increase
nurse
MA
Confident in ability to make the correct clinical decision 5% increase
Confidence that interpersonal skills sufficiently 9% increase
developed in relation to working with patients
Leigh et al. (2005) – Clinical skills 100% (6)
Ward managers report
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on number of
preceptees that
achieved competence
Communication and interpersonal skills 100% (7)
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Time/resource management 67% (4/6)

Negotiation skills 71% (5/7)
Risk management competency 71% (5/7)
Marks-Maran et al. Reported difficulty in finding time to meet 82%
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(2013) – Preceptees
perception
Felt preceptorship should be a priority 93%
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Believed preceptorship was crucial to clinical practice 54%

Felt the preceptor had the appropriate expertise 97%
Felt they (preceptee) should be able to choose their own 70%
preceptor
Increased confidence in patient care decisions 78%
Positive impact of developing high standards 76%
Increased confidence in dealing with problems related to 75%
patient care
Increase competence in drug admission 68%
Increased competence in health and safety 68%
Increased competence in meeting nutritional needs 55%
Increased competence in wound management Nearly 50%
Muir et al. (2013) – Reported preceptorship would be useful to new staff 95%
Preceptors perception
Felt they (preceptors) provided support 87%
Helped change a student to an accountable practitioner 80%
Increased preceptee confidence in clinical decision- 75%
making
Increased preceptee confidence in communication 75%
Increased preceptee competence in communication 75%
(Felt they had an) Impact on drug administration 75.6%

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Table 5 – Quantitative Data
Author and Aspect Results
type/source
(Felt they had an) Impact on health and safety 73.6%
(Felt they had an) Impact on nutritional needs 71.2%
(Felt they had an) Impact on wound management 63.9%
(Felt they had an) Impact on culture and diversity 63.1%

PT
Table 6 – Quantitative Data
Author and Aspect Results

RI
type/source
Farrell and Chakrabarti Frequency of meetings 82% had 3+
(2001) – data. meetings

SC
12% had 1 meeting
6% had none
Completion of learning contracts 65% completed 1+
contract

NU
Achieved required competency for admission 94% - one failed
Achieved required competency for discharge 88% - two failed
Leigh et al. (2005) – Comfortable with the level of clinical knowledge 25% increase
preceptee self-reported possessed
MA
score pre and post –
the difference in score
converted into a
percentage
Comfortable dealing with patient, and relatives questions 26% increase
ED

and concerns
Confidence in what is expected from them as a staff 39% increase
nurse
PT

Confident in ability to make the correct clinical decision 5% increase

Confidence that interpersonal skills sufficiently 9% increase
developed in relation to working with patients
Leigh et al. (2005) – Clinical skills 100% (6)
CE

Ward managers report

on number of
preceptees that
achieved competence
AC

Communication and interpersonal skills 100% (7)

Time/resource management 67% (4/6)
Negotiation skills 71% (5/7)
Risk management competency 71% (5/7)
Marks-Maran et al. Reported difficulty in finding time to meet 82%
(2013) – Preceptees
perception
Felt preceptorship should be a priority 93%
Believed preceptorship was crucial to clinical practice 54%
Felt the preceptor had the appropriate expertise 97%
Felt they (preceptee) should be able to choose their own 70%
preceptor
Increased confidence in patient care decisions 78%
Positive impact of developing high standards 76%
Increased confidence in dealing with problems related to 75%
patient care
Increase competence in drug admission 68%
Increased competence in health and safety 68%
Increased competence in meeting nutritional needs 55%
Increased competence in wound management Nearly 50%

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Table 5 – Quantitative Data
Author and Aspect Results
type/source
Muir et al. (2013) – Reported preceptorship would be useful to new staff 95%
Preceptors perception
Felt they (preceptors) provided support 87%
Helped change a student to an accountable practitioner 80%

PT
Increased preceptee confidence in clinical decision- 75%
making
Increased preceptee confidence in communication 75%
Increased preceptee competence in communication 75%

RI
(Felt they had an) Impact on drug administration 75.6%
(Felt they had an) Impact on health and safety 73.6%
(Felt they had an) Impact on nutritional needs 71.2%

SC
(Felt they had an) Impact on wound management 63.9%
(Felt they had an) Impact on culture and diversity 63.1%

NU
MA
ED
PT
CE
AC

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Highlights

 Wider Preceptorship Programmes and support of the team have a greater

impact than individualised preceptorship.
 The abilities and motivation of the preceptor, support levels, clarity about
what is being measured, variability, and structure influence the efficacy of
preceptorship.
 More research into the direct link between preceptorships and confidence

PT
and competence is required.

RI
SC
NU
MA
ED
PT
CE
AC

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