Nursing Preceptors and Meaning Making

This exploratory qualitative study was performed in order to identify the potentially transformative learning experiences of nurse preceptors. Semi-structured in depth interviews with nurse preceptors revealed how the experiences of acting as a teacher, trainer, and coach to new nurses bridges the gap between formal education and nursing practice. The lived experiences and the reflections on those experiences were examined in order to identify how the preceptor derived meaning from assisting new nurses into the profession. Such critical reflection revealed how these experiences resulted in new meaning schemes as well as identified some barriers to performing the receptor role.