Perceptership Essay - 2654 Words

Perceptership The transition from student status to qualified practitioner can be a daunting and traumatic time for the majority of individuals. Feelings of inadequacy and the inability to cope with this change can prove extremely stressful for the newly registered nurse and place new, ill-prepared for demands on them. Kramer (1974) describes this as Reality Shock. It could even result in a change of career for some people. Allanach and Jennings (1990) stated that by easing the transition into the professional practice role, preceptorships may be useful in mitigating negative affective states which, in turn may effectively reduce the premature exit of new nurses from the profession. There could also be a damaging†¦show more content†¦Because the preceptor is an identified member of the nursing team, the newly appointed staff nurse should feel confident enough to approach them with any difficulties they may experience or learning needs they have. It should also enhance se curity needs of the preceptee and ensure they do not feel incompetent by asking for support and assistance. The preceptor needs to possess certain personal qualities such as patience, confidence, a good knowledge base and enthusiasm, to name but a few. Preceptorship can often become confused with mentorship. May et al (1982) defines mentorship as an intense relationship calling for a high degree of involvement between a novice in a discipline and a person who is knowledgeable and wise in that area. Preceptorships tend to be more short lived and are on a more equal basis as both parties are registered professionals. The preceptor is more concerned with teaching and learning aspects of the relationship (Burnard 1990). If the preceptor / preceptee relationship continues for longer than is necessary, then there is a danger of it fusing with mentorship. Preceptorship programmes should run for approximately the first four months of registration, as recommended by the U KCC (UKCC 1990). My own experience as a novice practitioner has enabled me to realise that