The life experience of the nurse preceptor: A hermeneutic phenomenological study

 The aim of this qualitative research project is to develop insight into and an interpretation of, the lived experiences of preceptors in clinical preceptorship programs for undergraduate nursing students. A framework based on hermeneutic phenomenology has been selected as the methodology to facilitate this research process. In depth interview technique is used for data generation from four selected preceptors from the same health care agency. Information shared by these preceptors is analysed within the hermeneutic framework. Evolving theme generation is documented and discussed with a view to enhanced insight into the phenomenon. Nurse educators, nurse managers, preceptors and students may use findings from this study to stimulate satisfying preceptorship experiences in an environment of collaborative nursing education. Other benefits relate to enhanced preceptor, preparation professional leadership programs that will engender positive professional attitudes and improved abilities of preceptors.