AN INTERPRETATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE TEACHING AND LEARNING ASPECTS OF THE PRACTICE OF PRECEPTING.
Contributors: University of Florida.
Published: 1995
Number of pages: 235
Subjects: Education, Health.; Health Sciences, Nursing.
Description: Most hospitals utilize preceptors to orient nurses to new and unfamiliar organizational settings. The purpose of this study was to discover what teaching practices preceptors used to assist orientees acquire the practical knowledge and skills required for their new work environments and to facilitate the socialization process. Perspectives were obtained from both the teacher (preceptor) and learner (orientee). Research questions were grounded in literature on the practice of precepting, learning from experience, and the theory of teaching and learning pertaining to practical knowledge.

A case study approach employing qualitative methods of data collection was used. During five months of 1994, 8 preceptors and 8 orientees, who satisfied eligibility criteria, participated in 62 open ended, in-depth interviews. Interviews were conducted weekly for four weeks and focused on teaching and learning experiences. Two photographic sessions were conducted each day to capture the activities of precepting and to promote discussion during interviews. Data were analyzed using an interpretative approach that identified common categories, themes, and patterns.

Analysis of data revealed 10 patterns and associated themes that were grouped under three categories: (a) the teaching domains of precepting, (b) the tact of precepting, and (c) the journey to independence. Teaching domains contained practices preceptors utilized to teach about basic and complex skills, organize and prioritize work, and interpret situations. The tact of precepting contained practices used to facilitate the transition of orientees into their new work environment and safeguard patients and orientees. Practices contained within the journey to independence were used to move orientees toward independent, safe practice. All described practices will add to the body of knowledge related to the practice of precepting and can be used in planning and implementing training programs for preceptors.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 56-11, Section: A, page: 4286.

Thesis (PH.D.)--UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA, 1995.

School code: 0070.