Abstract
Introduction: Stress and burnout may be associated with a difficult first year of practice for new graduate nurses. The role of preceptor has been developed to support and guide new graduate nurses. Literature suggests that preceptors can have a positive impact on the new graduate's experience contributing to clinical competency and retention of staff. COVID-19 caused significant disruption and stress to the health system which may have impacted the ability of nurses to support and guide new graduates. Purpose: This research explored preceptors' perceptions of mentoring new graduate nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The intention was to identify strategies to support preceptors generally, and in times of crisis within the health system. Methods: Participants were nurses who acted as preceptors for a new graduate nurse sometime between 2020-2022 at two tertiary level hospitals in New Zealand. Data was collected by way of an online survey and interviews. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis of the interview data were employed to analyse the findings. Results: Three themes were identified in the interview data which included motivation, influence of context and role reality. The participants identified both personal and professional factors that motivated them to become a preceptor for a new graduate nurse. These included enjoyment in the role, pride in their contribution to new graduate development as well as improved shift allocation and professional development. Influence of context was identified as the second theme. It became apparent that there were multiple factors that influenced a preceptors' perception of mentoring new graduate nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic, these included the clinical environment, clinical workload and the needs of the new graduate nurse. The third theme identified was role reality, participants identified that there were additional challenges that arose with being a preceptor; these include developing positive interpersonal relationships and being able to adapt to situations as they occur. This became particularly relevant due to the changes caused by COVID-19. Conclusion: There were multiple challenges to carrying out the preceptor role which were exacerbated by COVID-19. The nurses adapted to overcome these challenges and there were no long-lasting consequences for either new graduate nurses or preceptors. The findings of this dissertation may be of value to those working with preceptors or new graduate nurses. Review of international literature and the findings of this research has identified potential methods to support preceptors.