Being a preceptor-a Nordic qualitative study.

Background: Positive preceptor experiences enhance learning and even affect the decisions of students to remain in nursing. In light of this, nurse managers have a responsibility, besides maintaining staff competence, to assess whether preceptors live up to their professional obligations.

Objective: The aim of this Nordic qualitative study was to gain a deeper understanding of the perceived experiences of preceptorship used to support undergraduate student nurses during their clinical education.

Methods: Data was collected through narrative interviews with 31 preceptors in Finland and Sweden before being analysed using a hermeneutical approach.

Results: Preceptorship is all about teaching in a supportive environment with ethical dimensions uniting theory and praxis. A caring relationship is essential and the basis for student learning and development.

Conclusions: The preceptors emphasise a caring relationship as the foundation for student learning. Moreover, preceptorship is an ethical issue, a responsibility that should be recognised by all stakeholders. The findings suggest that preceptorship should be examined from a new perspective. The ethical dimension must be recognised and linked to the further education of preceptors. Nurse managers are in a key position to lead for change.