The preceptor experience: The preparedness and support of registered nurses preceptoring international nurses for whom English is a second language

The purpose of this research was to establish whether preceptors perceive they are adequately prepared and confident to assess internationally registered nurses for whom English is a second language (IRNs-EASL), and to ascertain the level of support they receive when undertaking the role. The changing economic and nursing environment was also considered an important component in this study. A questionnaire was developed in Survey Monkey™ and sent via New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) e-newsletter to approximately 26000 recipients. This gave the study broad representation geographically and clinically. Using descriptive quantitative analyses, preceptor training, workload, understanding of ethical and legal accountability and perceived organisational values, support and attitudes were evaluated. The results indicate that a proportion of preceptors do not meet Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ) standards and that some work environments require nurses to preceptor IRNs-EASL against their wishes. The role is not valued by indicators of formal recognition or within job descriptions despite the high work load requirements of the position. Training increases preceptor confidence and preparedness for clinical assessment but more research is required to comprehensively evaluate preceptor understanding of ethical and legal accountability. The establishment of a register of preceptors could provide a platform to develop audit and quality assurance principles, ensuring adequate education and preparation of preceptors. Formal recognition in the form of financial recompense, workload reduction and professional development recognition would increase preceptors perceived level of support and organisational value.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Nursing

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Grantor

Eastern Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2011

Author dc:creator

• Riden, Helen

• New Zealand
• preceptors
• experiences
• support
• internationally registered nurses
• English as a second language
• surveys

Statement dc:rights

• All rights reserved

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10652/6545

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:null:10652/6545