Knowledge and attitude towards nursing clinical preceptorship among Ethiopian nurse educators: An institution-based cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Clinical preceptorship in nursing is a teaching and guidance program where students are paired with an experienced nurse in the clinical environment to equip them with clinical skills and nursing values. Since nurse educators are one of the primarily responsible bodies for its effective implementation and eventual success, this study assessed their knowledge and attitude towards clinical preceptorship. Methods: The study was conducted in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and used an institution-based descriptive cross-sectional study method. Results: Less than half of the educators were found to be knowledgeable about clinical preceptorship and its key elements whereas the vast majority reported favorable attitude towards it. Knowledge towards clinical preceptorship was associated with having a master’s degree (OR of 0.377 and 95% CI [0.150, 0.948]) and more than four years of teaching experience (OR = 0.088 and 95% CI [0.010, 0.796]). Conclusion: The attitude towards clinical preceptorship is overwhelmingly favorable whilst the existence of a knowledge gap was evident. Holding an advanced degree and longer teaching experiences are relevant factors that are associated with existing knowledge. Keywords: Attitude, Clinical preceptorship, Clinical practice, Knowledge, Nurse educator, Preceptor