Midwives' experiences as preceptors and the development of good preceptorships in obstetric units

Objective: To study midwives' experience in their role as a preceptor and their perception on how to best support midwifery students in obstetrics units. Obstetric units are an important learning area for student midwives but knowledge on how to become a good midwife preceptor is limited. Design: This qualitative study explores midwife preceptors' experience of supervising midwifery students in three obstetric units in Sweden. Following ethical approval seventeen midwife preceptors were inter- viewed and data were analysed thematically. Findings: Thematic analysis of the interviews resulted in the identification of two themes and five sub- themes: (1) self-efficacy in the preceptor role which involves (a) being confident in the professional posi- tion and (b) having the support of management and colleagues and (2) supporting the student to attain self-confidence and independence which entails (a) helping the student to grow, (b) facilitating reflection in learning situations, and (c) "taking a step back". Key conclusion: Good preceptorship occurs when midwives achieve full self-efficacy, when they master the preceptor role, and when they have enhanced their abilities to help, the student reach confidence and independence. Implications for practice: Health care organisations needs to develop and support midwifery preceptor- ship