A preceptor network was developed to support the five state continuing education program "Public Health Nursing Practice for the 21st Century: Competency Development in Population-based Practice." Thirty-three preceptors were selected to coach 120 participants through a six-month training. The participants had an average of three years of public health nursing experience. The preceptors were assigned three to four participants to work with in small groups at the training sessions and provide one to one assistance with the integration and application of the program content. The preceptor support was evaluated by participant feedback after each training session and by focus groups with the preceptors. Overall, the participants felt that the preceptors enriched their experience by helping to clarify and add content to the training sessions, assist with the practical application of the content and provide feedback on practice issues. The preceptor focus groups revealed many benefits for their own practice and personal development. These included an opportunity to increase their expertise, give back to the profession, and share their experiences and resources. This program's experience with a preceptor network has important implications for developing supportive learning environments for practicing public health nurses. The purpose of this session will be to describe the process of developing, preparing, and sustaining a preceptor network and share the lessons learned from this program. See www.health.state.mn.us/abby
Learning Objectives: As a result of this session, participants will be able to: 1. List the benefits of a preceptor network for supporting public health nursing continuing education. 2. Describe the process of recruiting, preparing, and sustaining preceptors.
Keywords: Public Health Nursing, Nursing Education
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.