Advance Practice Nurses Receiving Preceptor Training Have Increased Self-Confidence and Decreased Burnout

Abstract

Advanced practice registered nurses are an essential component of the healthcare team. As providers, they care for the patients and coordinate care using a nurse’s compassion. Preceptors are instrumental in onboarding a new APRN as they transition from novice to competent practitioners. Preceptor training can provide the experienced APRN with the tools needed to help the novice APRN transition from the classroom to the clinical setting. The purpose of the project was to determine if attending a preceptor training workshop affects the self-confidence and burnout levels of APRN preceptors. Comparisons were made between those that have and have not attended the preceptor workshop by measuring self-confidence and burnout scores. In a cohort of 77 advanced practice nurses, findings indicated an increase in preceptor’s self-confidence for those who attended the preceptor workshop. However, there was no statistical significance in burnout rates between the intervention and baseline groups. With training, the preceptor guides the advanced practice registered nurse learner in clinical skills for quality care, improved collegial relationships, and enhanced self-confidence in the role. A positive onboarding experience leads to job satisfaction and retention, decreasing turnover and organizational costs. Preceptor training can improve preceptor self-confidence and decrease burnout.