Factors influencing hospital-based nurses’ experiences precepting student nurses: An integrative literature review

• A junior nursing workforce impacts clinical placements and student retention. • Preceptorship models are undermined by factors within the clinical setting. • Variable preceptorship conditions impact student learning and preceptor satisfaction. • Positive preceptor experiences inform the sustainability of preceptorship. The nursing workforce in Australia has seen a shift in skill mix with a greater percentage of newly qualified nurses. Despite a surge in recruitment, a nursing workforce deficit persists. It is important that our existing nursing workforce is retained, and students have a positive experience that supports their entry into the profession. This integrative literature review aimed to identify factors influencing nursing preceptors’ experiences when supporting students during clinical placement. The integrative review followed the Whittemore and Knafl (2005) framework.Four databases were searched, with a focus on studies published between 2020 and 2024. Articles with a population undertaking an entry-to-practice qualification in nursing at either a Bachelor's or Master's level were included. The major themes of (1) clinical practice environment, (2) student-preceptor specific factors, and (3) preceptor-dependent factors emerged.Theme 1 comprised the subthemes of (a) challenges and demands, and (b) expectations and responsibilities.Theme 2 contained the subthemes of (a) relationship building and communication, and (b) mutual engagement and commitment. Theme 3 spanned the subthemes of (a) balancing professional roles and (b) self-discovery and growth. Preceptorship is valuable in the supervision and education of student nurses undertaking clinical placement. Good collaboration between placement and education providers is needed to ensure preceptors are appropriately prepared. Positive interpersonal interactions with students influence preceptors’ satisfaction with the preceptor role. The preceptor role is crucial for RNs' professional development, despite the reported challenge of adding to workload.