Utilizing Evidenced Based Practices to Revise a Preceptorship Program

The role of the wound, ostomy, and continence (WOC) nurse preceptor is critical to the integration of new WOC nurses into the profession. The preceptorship provides an opportunity for future WOC nurses to mature their skills and boost their confidence in a safe environment and with expert guidance. Although requirements vary, clinical experience is a required component of all accredited WOC nurse educator programs. (WOCNEP)

This process improvement project includes a complete revision of the WOC nurse preceptor program at a level one trauma military treatment facility. Initially, the program could be described as a baseline program that simply completed the assigned objectives as directed by the individual WOCNEP. The program has been redesigned to be a program that is evidenced based and is a complement to the WOCNEP program.

As with any teaching-learning experience, a preceptorship should be continuously evaluated for effectiveness and attainment of goals. The effectiveness of a preceptorship program is dependent on the clinical expertise of the preceptors, in addition to how the experience is planned, implemented, and taught, based on evidence based principles. By working together, using research to guide the program, the preceptors can ensure that the WOC nurse student has a quality individualized precepting experience.

This preceptorship improvement project included the review and implementation of sound nursing teaching principals, a revised orientation and evaluation, increased number of demonstrations, and development of a clinical information manual.