Difference between perceptions of preceptors and newly graduated nurses regarding delay in professional growth: a thematic analysis

Background Smooth reciprocal relationships enable a preceptee’s growth, and it has been suggested that without such relationships, the preceptee may not be able to grow successfully. This study explored the differences in perceptions by matching the perspectives of both the preceptees who did not make progress in workplace adjustment and their preceptors. Identifying the differences in perceptions between the two groups is important for improving nursing education and the relationship between preceptees and preceptors. Methods A pair of nurses who had been with the company for less than 3 years and who had previously been transferred or had resigned due to poor workplace adjustment were designated as preceptees, and those who had directly supervised the preceptee during their first year of employment were included as preceptors in the study. A 50-minute semi-structured interview was conducted separately to examine the perceptions of the preceptee and preceptor. A thematic analysis was used to analyse the interview data. Results This study explored the differences in perceptions regarding the clinical practice of nursing between preceptors and their preceptees who did not make progress in workplace adjustment during nursing education; six themes were identified. After interviewing both sides, it became clear that the same event was interpreted differently depending on their positions, perspectives, and contexts. As the preceptees were nurses who had left or had been transferred, the existence of these differences in perceptions suggests that these factors may impact their departure or transfer. However, we do not aim to place blame on one side or the other for the preceptee’s turnover or transfer and would like to consider effective support, not only for the preceptee, but also for the preceptor. Conclusions It is necessary to examine nursing education on the premise that differences may occur depending on the position and role of nurses in the workplace and to look at curricular framework changes to bring in a systemic influence towards the training of young nurses.