Moving from Student to New Practitioner: The Transitional Experience

Preceptorship is now a requirement for all newly qualified occupational therapists joining the National Health Service (Department of Health 2005). This is intended to ameliorate the difficulties experienced by new practitioners when moving from the role of student into clinical work. A number of studies confirm the importance of providing both support and challenge in the first year of practice. This opinion piece presents the case for the introduction of preceptorship, building on the expertise of clinical supervisors. This role of preceptor could improve the transitional experience of new practitioners and support the development of their skills and their confidence.