Supporting Preceptors

For effective teaching of nursing students and management of stress of increased workloads, preceptors require a great deal of support from nursing faculty, peers, and administrative personnel. Through a mailed survey, 295 preceptors reported that they would have appreciated more support. The best support is the continued and visible presence and involvement of instructors, which can be provided in person, by telephone, or via fax. This is best achieved if nurse educators, directors, and deans view themselves as copreceptors.