An evaluation of preceptors' perceptions of educational preparation and organizational support for their role.

Background: This longitudinal, descriptive study evaluated nurse preceptors' perceptions of a 2-day educational workshop and subsequent organizational support offered to prepare them for their roles as preceptors.

Methods: Thirty-six registered nurses who attended preceptor workshops and then acted as preceptors participated in focus groups or interviews 2 to 3 months and 6 to 9 months after their educational preparation to identify the usefulness of the preparation, the subsequent support by management, and the potential changes in their perceptions.

Results: Respondents identified intrinsic rewards and opportunities for growth for nurses who take on the preceptor role.

'They survive despite the organizational culture, not because of it': a longitudinal study of new staff perceptions of what constitutes support during the transition to an acute tertiary facility.

Increasing difficulties of recruitment and retention of nursing staff strongly indicate that organizations should identify factors that contribute to successful transition of new staff to the workplace. Although many studies have identified problems facing new staff, fewer studies have articulated best practices. The purpose of this longitudinal study was to ascertain what new staff perceived as supportive elements implemented by the organization to assist their integration.