A Study of the Burden of Preceptors

Park, Soo Youn; Kim, Ju Sung; Kim, Myung Hee

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study investigated the burden of preceptors in order to improve preceptorship in nursing practice. METHOD: The participants were 170 preceptors at three hospitals in Pusan. The data were collected using questionnaires completed between July and September 2002, which included items to measure burden and opinions to reflect the demands of preceptors. They were analyzed using mean score, frequencies, and content analysis. RESULT: 1) The preceptors had an average of 6.3 years of clinical experience, while the practical career of a preceptor averaged 1.9 years. The average period of new nurse education was 5.5 weeks. Each year, 1.9 new nurses were trained per preceptor. 2) Of the preceptors 54.7% had received compensation without formal rules. but 54.1% did not want to serve further as preceptors because of overwork, lack of educational preparation, and lack of compensation. They were looking for solutions for existing problems. 3) Preceptors indicated that the major burden was having to repeat explanations to each preceptee, they were too busy to serve as preceptors, and their colleagues' had excessive expectations. CONCLUSION: We recommend practical management, including supplementary manpower, an education program, and compensation provided by the hospital administration with cooperation from colleges.