What is preceptorship?
Preceptorship is a term used within health care primarily and it is defined as a structured and supportive period, where a health care professional transitions from learning to practitioner, usually over a 12-month period from starting in their role (DOH, 2010).
Who is it for?
Preceptorship is for newly qualified staff entering the trust, staff that are returning to practice, or for staff that may be transitioning from one part of the register to another (i.e. Nursing Associate to Registered Nurse).
It is available for all Nurses, Midwives and Allied Health Professionals across all trust sites.
How do I track my progress?
The Totara LMS system will be used to record and track an individual’s preceptorship activity It is the preceptee, preceptor and line managers responsibility to ensure this takes place and that time is protected to allow this. You should have received a log in for the system within the first week of starting at the trust.
The trust preceptorship lead will have oversight of this activity to monitor compliance and provide assurance that this is taking place The preceptor and preceptee will complete a final meeting and the sign off form on the Totara system. The Vocational Learning and development team will request that ESR add the preceptorship competency to the ESR system upon completion.
Throughout the preceptorship period, objectives should be learner-centred and support with the individual’s development in the role as well as their development towards future roles Career conversations should be facilitated by the preceptor and line manager during and at the end of the preceptorship period Ongoing learning objectives and clinical supervision should be considered and planned as per individual learning needs.
Access the Totara system here.
As a preceptee
- Engage with the preceptorship programme with the trust.
- Practice in accordance with professional codes of conduct, as applicable to their qualification.
- Feel proud and committed to the trust's vision, values and objectives.
- Highlight and share any specific learning needs and coproduce an action plan for addressing these needs.
- Ensure that you understand the standards, competencies or objectives set by the trust that you are required to meet.
- Reflect on practice and experience and be responsible for their own.
- Seek feedback on your performance from your preceptor and those whith whom you work with.
- Work flexibly with your preceptor and team to enable completion of preceptorship alongside meeting requirements of role and service demand.
- If required, raise concerns relating to your preceptorship with your preceptor. If escalation is required further, then the preceptee should approach their line manager and where necessary the Trust Preceptor Lead.
- Understand the need to utilise the multi-disciplinary team to support your development.
- Have personal responsibility for retaining up to date knowledge and utilising evidence-based practice.
Can I take part in the Preceptorship programme if I am on the bank?
You can, however, for preceptorship to be effective, it must take place in a consistent environment, therefore consideration needs to be given to frequency of work. If you work shifts and work in multiple specialities/wards, you will need to discuss with your manager. If you consistently work on the same ward/area and are doing substantive hours on the bank, you can likely complete your preceptorship.
I am returning to practice - can I take part in the preceptorship?
If you’re returning to practice and need to re-register with the HCPC or the NMC, you will be eligible for preceptorship. Please speak to your line manager for further information.
What happens if I change job roles within the programme?
We recognise that many NQPs will rotate during their preceptorship period, and therefore the programme will continue for you. You may change preceptors in this time to support you during your new role. If you advance to a band 6 role, your preceptorship period would automatically end.
Will I get protected time to complete my Preceptorship?
Yes.The Preceptorship policy advises that an appropriate amount of time is given to preceptorship within the preceptorship period.
What does 'supernumerary' mean?
‘Supernumerary’ is where a member of staff works in their clinical area but is not counted within the safer staffing numbers for that shift. They work alongside their preceptor and are supervised and supported in practice to take responsibility for their work. They may have their own caseload of patients under the supervision of their preceptor. As a qualified and registered professional employed by the organisation, there are no limitations regarding practicing within your scope.
If you want to find out more, get in touch via emailing ecn-tr.preceptorship@nhs.net.
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