Degree Name
Nursing Practice, DNP
Publication Date
2025
First Advisor
Sandy King
Second Advisor
Cassandra Elliott
Abstract
Ambulatory care settings demand diverse nursing skills, making effective preceptorship crucial for successful new nurse transitions. However, many preceptors lack formal preceptor training. This quality improvement project implemented and evaluated a structured preceptor training program for licensed nurses in a large metropolitan healthcare system in Southeast Texas, addressing this critical gap. The project, informed by best practices from acute care and the American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing’s Preceptor Guide, explored the impact of structured training on ambulatory care nurse competence within eight weeks, compared to no training. Fourteen nurses voluntarily participated, with twelve (85.7%) completing pre- and post-intervention surveys. Preceptor competence was assessed using the validated Preceptor Self-Assessment Tool (PSAT-40). The eight-hour, in-person training covered essential preceptor competencies aligned with best practices. Data analysis, using Intellectus Statistics, included descriptive statistics and paired-sample t-tests. Grounded in Lewin's Change Theory and Benner's Novice to Expert theory, results demonstrated statistically significant improvements (p < .001) in all measured areas: interpersonal and intrapersonal skills, preceptor role knowledge and understanding, administrative resources and support, and PSAT-40 total score. These findings demonstrate the training program's effectiveness in enhancing preceptor competence. This project provides a valuable model for improving preceptor preparation and fostering a supportive learning environment in ambulatory care. Future research with larger, more diverse samples is recommended.
Rights Management
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Blee, Sibil J., "Quality Improvement Project: Implementing a Standardized, Structured Preceptor Program for Licensed Nurses in the Ambulatory Care Setting to Improve Preceptor Competence Level" (2025). Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects. 96.
https://arch.astate.edu/dnp-projects/96
