۱- Introduction

۲- Methods

۳- Results

۴- Discussion

۵- Conclusion

References

Introduction

Nursing education in the United Kingdom (UK) has changed from a practicebased apprenticeship to a theoretical model (Higgins et al., 2010, Harrison-White and Simons, 2013, UKCC, 1986). This change aimed to produce a practitioner who is confident, competent and advocates reflective practice and evidencebased care (UKCC, 1986, Department of Health, 2010). In response to concerns that the theoretical focus would lead to fitness to practice issues the UKCC (1991) recommend that all Newly Qualified Nurses (NQNs) should undertake a period of preceptorship (Whitehead et al., 2013, Higgins et al., 2010). Preceptorship should support the NQN through the transition from a basic safe practitioner to one that is competent and confident however no definition of competence or confidence was provided by the UKCC (UKCC, 1991, UKCC, 1993). The term ‘preceptor’ refers to a person instructing or providing tutorage, and it was in America, when Kramer recorded new nurses experiencing reality shock, that the concept was introduced to nursing (Kennard, 1991, Bain, 1996). Kennard’s (1991) summary of the American research reported no significant difference in competence following the introduction of preceptorship. The NMC (2006) updated preceptorship standards and outlined two new aims: to provide support and guidance to ensure that NQN’s practised in accordance with the Code of Professional Conduct: NMC (2008a) and to produce a confident and competent practitioner. All new practitioners were allocated an individual preceptor to provide guidance and advice, with regular meetings and protected learning time for the first year of practice (NMC, 2006).