A new study published in The Journal for Nurse Practitioners explores the motivations, satisfaction, and challenges experienced by preceptors in postgraduate nurse practitioner (NP) residency programs, highlighting the important role of mentorship and professional fulfillment in supporting the healthcare workforce.
The article, Beyond Productivity: Exploring the Motivations and Satisfaction of Preceptors in a Postgraduate Nurse Practitioner Residency Within a Safety-Net Setting, by Nicole Seagriff, DNP, FNP-BC, Garrett Matlick, DNP, MPH, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, and May Oo, MS, MPH examines the experiences of 30 preceptors participating in the Community Health Center, Inc. (CHCI) NP Residency Program in Connecticut.
The study found that 93% of surveyed preceptors reported a positive impact on their work experience, with motivations driven primarily by a commitment to teaching the next generation of providers, maintaining clinical knowledge, and building meaningful professional relationships rather than productivity-related or financial incentives.
The findings also identified personal relationships with residents and colleagues, along with the satisfaction of sharing clinical knowledge, as leading factors contributing to positive precepting experiences. Common challenges included supporting struggling learners and managing documentation and chart review responsibilities following precepted sessions.
Of particular relevance to the postgraduate APP training community, the study highlights the potential dual benefits of residency and fellowship programs: supporting newly graduated clinicians during their transition to practice while providing experienced clinicians with meaningful opportunities for mentorship, professional growth, and engagement.
The authors suggest that postgraduate training programs can strengthen preceptor recruitment and retention by recognizing the intrinsic rewards of teaching, providing targeted faculty development, and implementing strategies to reduce administrative burdens.
While the study was conducted within a single healthcare organization, its findings offer valuable considerations for postgraduate APP residency and fellowship programs seeking to support their preceptor workforce and foster sustainable clinical learning environments.
