Abstract
Background: Preceptors are expected to foster a successful “transition to practice” for novice nurses and new hires. Preceptor education has been shown to increase retention of novice nurses. The goal of the project was to increase the preceptor’s confidence and knowledge on the preceptor role through an evidence-based preceptor program.|Methods: A convenience sample of 4 emergency department staff nurses selected by the emergency department director attended a formal 8 hour preceptor program. The participants completed a survey pre- and post-program to examine comfort and confidence in the preceptor role. The second measurement was a multiple choice question test administered pre- and post-program to assess acquisition of knowledge on the preceptor role.|Results: Paired t tests showed a statistically significant improvement in the comfort, confidence, and overall knowledge of all four participants attending the program.|Conclusion: An 8 hour evidence-based preceptor program demonstrates initial effectiveness in preparing staff nurses in the ED setting to fulfill the preceptor role