The effect of preceptorship on role transition of novice staff nurses

This study investigated the effect of a preceptorship program on role transition of novice staff nurses. A quasi-experimental, control group pretest post-test, design was used. Thirty-four novice staff nurses participated in the study; 20 in the preceptorship (experimental) group, and 14 in the traditional orientation (control) group. Three research hypotheses were investigated to determine whether novice staff nurses who participated in a preceptorship orientation program would: (1) demonstrate easier role transition, (2) report a higher level of job performance, and (3) demonstrate less role deprivation, than those novice staff nurses who participated in a traditional orientation program. Role transition was measured using the Six Dimension Scale of Nursing Performance (Schwirian, 1978) and the Nursing Role Conception Scale (Corwin, 1961). Participants completed the two scales during the first week of the orientation or preceptorship programs and again one-month later. Results indicated no significant differences (p