National Preceptor Competency Consensus Study.

Objective: The aim of this study was to develop a consensus model of required preceptor competencies to inform preceptor selection, development, support, and assessment.

Background: The preceptor role is complex and multifaceted, requiring knowledge and skills beyond the typical RN role; however, no nationally developed standards for preceptor competencies exist.

Methods: A mixed-method approach (national survey of preceptors, electronic Delphi, expert panel) was used to develop consensus on required preceptor competencies.

The Impact of Preceptor Education, Experience, and Preparation on the Role.

Findings from the 2020 Association for Nursing Professional Development National Preceptor Practice Analysis study validated the Ulrich precepting model. This secondary data analysis examines the influence of preceptor training, experience, and education on perceptions of the importance of the preceptor roles, domains (knowledge and practice), and required competencies. Preceptor training compared with education and experience best predict nurses' perceived importance of precepting and its seven roles.

The Association for Nursing Professional Development National Preceptor Practice Analysis Study: An Exploration of Precepting in Perioperative Settings.

Preceptors are an important part of meeting perioperative workforce demands. A secondary analysis of data collected for the 2020 Association for Nursing Professional Development National Preceptor Practice Analysis Study focused on 400 perioperative nurse preceptors and compared their responses to nonperioperative preceptors. Most perioperative respondents had participated in preceptor training; they spent significantly more time orienting experienced nurse preceptees in the perioperative specialty and its diverse settings (eg, orthopedic surgery, open-heart surgery) than preceptors in nonperioperative settings and specialties.

Preceptor Practice: Initial Results of a National Association for Nursing Professional Development Study.

In 2020, the Association for Nursing Professional Development commissioned a national preceptor practice analysis study using the Ulrich Precepting Model to identify the roles, knowledge, and activities essential to preceptor practice. In a survey of 3,623 preceptors, the model's seven preceptor roles and their associated domains of knowledge and practice were validated. Findings indicate that nursing professional development practitioners should provide preceptors with initial role preparation in addition to ongoing education.

Surgical Specimen Management in the Preanalytic Phase: Perioperative Nursing Implications.

Surgical specimen management is an important responsibility of perioperative nurses and is essential to the provision of safe, quality patient care. Errors related to surgical specimen management can lead to a variety of negative consequences for patients and personnel. Unfortunately, surgical specimen management errors can and do occur, particularly during the preanalytic phase, and thus are a major perioperative patient safety concern.

Perioperative Nurse Leaders and Professionalism.

Professionalism in nursing leadership encompasses key elements that include a common body of knowledge, autonomous practice, self-regulation through education and licensure, a set code of ethics, and a commitment to altruism. Perioperative nurse leaders also must embrace collaboration, vision, accountability, and patient and staff member advocacy based on established ethics, values, and standards of care. Nurse leaders who are committed to professional development through pursuit of higher degrees, application of evidence-based practice, collaboration with colleagues, and certification show a strong commitment to their profession and serve as role models for staff members.