Nurse Preceptor Burnout: Contributing Factors

J Nurs Adm. 2024 Apr 1;54(4):235-239. doi: 10.1097/NNA.0000000000001415.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess nurse preceptor burnout and examine related factors.

Background: Nurse preceptors are essential to the provision of optimal hospital-based care. Preceptors guide and support nurses' transition from professional training to practice as well as movement within practice roles.

Methods: As a component of the DevelopYou database, nurse preceptors (N = 210) were surveyed electronically using the BHLex Preceptor Role Questionnaire. Data retrieved from this data set were analyzed.

Results: Twenty-eight percent (n = 60) of participants experienced burnout. Most (n = 203, 96.7%) enjoyed their role. Reasons for becoming a preceptor included a love for teaching, a desire to help others, and feelings of responsibility to the profession and the institution. Strategies to enable perceived value of the role focused on activities involving person-to-person interactions.

Conclusions: On the basis of the results of this analysis, it is apparent that nurse preceptors want to feel valued and supported by administration and have opportunities to interact regularly with colleagues.

MeSH terms

  • Burnout, Professional*
  • Emotions
  • Humans
  • Preceptorship*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires