Evaluation of an Innovative Statewide Nurse Preceptor Education Program.

BACKGROUND

In Maine's rapidly changing and often uncertain health care environment, skilled nurses who precept nursing students, new nurses, and transitioning nurses can play an important role in supporting the nursing workforce.

METHOD: An evaluation of the Maine Nursing Preceptor Education Program was conducted via collection and quantitative analysis of three waves of cross-sectional cohort data from 2019 and 2020 participants: (a) pre-program surveys, (b) post-workshop evaluations, and (c) 3-month post-program evaluations.

RESULTS

The pre-program survey indicated that registrants were predominantly mid-career and new to nurse preceptor education. The post-workshop evaluation showed significant increases in respondent confidence in knowledge, skill, and ability in eight nurse preceptor domains (mean improvement > 20%, p < .001). At the 3-month post-program evaluation, most respondents had assumed the nurse preceptor role and indicated an interest in continuing professional development.

CONCLUSION

The Maine Nursing Preceptor Education Program was successful within Maine and can serve as a model for other programs. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2025;56(4):152-157.].