The Experiences of Nurse Preceptors in Orienting Internationally Educated Nurses.

Abstract

To adequately support preceptors of internationally educated nurses (IENs), nursing professional development practitioners, functioning as partners in practice transitions, must understand the strategies, barriers, preparation, and overall experience of preceptors. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore nurse preceptors' experiences as they oriented IENs in a United States healthcare system. Three themes emerged from nine participant interviews: Strategies to Facilitate IEN Orientation, Barriers in Precepting an IEN, and Essential Characteristics of Preceptors.