“I’m Here for You”: Understanding the Caring Role of Nurse Preceptor in Patient Safety

Abstract

Background: Nurse preceptors assume many responsibilities, including facilitating the learning experience of novice nurses while ensuring safe practices. Understanding the nurse preceptors’ experience will provide a baseline for raising safety awareness among nurses. Methods: A directed content analysis design was used. The initial categories were based on predetermined categories of Roach’s six C’s. Results: Analysis of the data led to the following six categories: recognizing the uniqueness of others, Building Competence for Patient Safety, establishing relationships, preceptor intentionality, promoting collaboration, and being a role model. Conclusion: The results of the study demonstrate the preceptors’ ability to balance their roles in delivering safe care while precepting new staff. They efficiently used their experience and caring attributes to facilitate the learning process.