An exploration of the preceptor role: preceptors' perceptions of benefits,rewards, supports and commitment to the preceptor role

This Australian study, a replication of Canadian research by Dibert & Golde nberg, was undertaken to explore the relationship between preceptors' perce ptions of benefits, rewards and support, and their commitment to the precep tor role. A convenience sample of 134 nurse preceptors involved in an under graduate nursing course were invited to complete a four-part questionnaire consisting of the Preceptor's Perception of Benefits and Rewards Scale, the Preceptor's Perception of Support Scale, the Commitment to the Preceptor R ole Scale, and demographic details. The results, in the main, parallel thos e of the original research, with differences reflecting the distinct nature and the more recent use of preceptorship in Australia. The results indicat e a clear commitment to the preceptor role and a perception that both mater ial and non-material benefits are derived from acting in the role. Addition ally, support from the institution and coworkers was considered vital for p articipation in the role. This not only has implications for nursing educat ors, administrators and potential preceptors, but also for those being prec eptored.