Unlocking the possibilities of preceptorship

Erin McLeod1

1Hospitals-South, Hobart, Australia

Abstract

Trusting the Process is a Practice Development Mantra and it is a phrase that can often be heard echoing through the Centre for Education and Research for Tasmanian Health Services South.

Preceptorship’s importance in the transitioning of nurses into a new practice area is undeniable and saturated throughout academic literature. Smack bang in the middle of a pandemic and a global nursing & midwifery workforce shortage, it has never been more important to entice and support our nursing and midwifery workforce in Tasmania.

Through the lens of Practice Development methodology, principles and ways of working, the existing Preceptor Workshop was dismantled, reviewed and revived. With organisational recognition of the importance of a positive preceptor relationship, the appropriate investment into the education and facilitation of our preceptors is vital in achieving meaningful participation.

Practice development demystifies facilitation, and ultimately what is preceptorship if not facilitating point of care learning, person centeredness, fostering growth and development?

The workshop is an action learning based program empowering the nurse and midwife to enact, enable and facilitate person centred education and care in their precepting role, ultimately ensuring positive patient outcomes, reducing attrition rates, and increasing retention of Transitioning Nurses and Midwives.

The preceptor program recognises the power of the nursing and midwifery professions, celebrates our passion for the work we do, and explores the possibilities available to us.


Biography:

Erin is the Assistant Director of Nursing for Education in the Centre for Education and Research with the Tasmanian Health Service South. She has been a registered nurse for 19 years and during this time has held positions from graduate nurse through to Acting EDON. Her post graduate qualifications include a Master’s in clinical education and Post Graduate Certificate in Health Administration. Her professional interests are education, learning & development with a focus on leadership, best practice and empowering nurses and midwives to make change and innovate in practice. Working in a Practice Development framework, Erin works collaboratively and in solution focussed ways with teams, nurses & midwives with the aim of safe and quality care delivery.