Preceptorship Training
Developing Preceptors, Not Just Explaining Preceptorship
Effective preceptorship can make an important difference as newly qualified healthcare professionals make the transition from student to autonomous practitioner.
But a successful preceptorship programme depends upon something fundamental:
People need to want to be effective preceptors — and they need the skills to do it well.
Our 2-Day Preceptorship Training was developed around those two challenges:
1. Creating understanding and buy-in from the preceptor
2. Developing the coaching and communication skills needed to support someone effectively
Rather than overwhelming participants with more theory, policies and documentation, the programme concentrates on the human relationship at the heart of preceptorship.
[Discuss Preceptorship Training for Your Organisation]
Why Preceptor Buy-In Matters
Being asked to become a preceptor can sometimes feel like another responsibility added to an already demanding clinical role.
So we begin somewhere different.
Why would I want to be a preceptor?
What can I contribute to someone at the beginning of their professional career?
What can I learn from the experience myself?
What makes the difference between simply being allocated a preceptee and becoming someone who genuinely helps another professional develop?
Before concentrating on how to be a preceptor, we help participants explore why the role matters — to the preceptee, the preceptor, the team and the organisation.
“I attended Preceptor training with our PCT and was staggered how useful Mark's training is to both my work and life. I would definitely recommend him to others.”
Karen — Nurse
Day 1 — Understanding the Role
The first day establishes the foundations of effective preceptorship.
Participants explore:
- the purpose of preceptorship;
- the role and responsibilities of the preceptor;
- the transition from student to autonomous professional;
- what newly qualified practitioners may need from their preceptor;
- what helps — and what can unintentionally hinder;
- confidence, learning and professional development;
- adapting our approach to different individuals;
- creating an effective developmental relationship.
The emphasis is interactive, allowing participants to explore what good preceptorship looks and feels like in practice.
Day 2 — Coaching & Communication Skills
Knowing what a preceptor should do isn't necessarily the same as knowing how to do it.
The second day therefore develops practical communication and coaching skills that preceptors can use within the relationship.
These include:
- establishing rapport and psychological safety;
- active listening;
- asking questions that encourage reflection;
- recognising when to advise and when to coach;
- giving useful developmental feedback;
- exploring confidence, motivation and barriers;
- helping the preceptee identify meaningful goals;
- encouraging reflection and self-directed learning;
- adapting communication to the individual;
- supporting capability without creating dependency.
Participants have opportunities to practise the skills rather than simply hear about them.
From Telling to Developing
An experienced practitioner has accumulated considerable knowledge.
The temptation can therefore be to provide the newly qualified practitioner with answers.
Sometimes that is exactly what is required.
But effective preceptorship also involves knowing when not to provide the answer.
A useful question can encourage the preceptee to reflect, make connections and develop their own professional judgement.
Instead of:
“Here's what you need to do.”
sometimes the more developmental response is:
“What do you think you need to do — and what led you to that conclusion?”
That distinction sits at the heart of our approach.
Develop capability, not dependency.
Aligned with Contemporary Preceptorship
The programme complements current approaches to preceptorship by concentrating on the skills needed to turn organisational frameworks into effective developmental relationships.
It can support organisations seeking to strengthen areas such as:
Preceptor preparation | individualised support | reflection | feedback | coaching | confidence and professional development
The programme can also be adapted to reflect your existing preceptorship framework, policies and professional context.
Training for Your Organisation
Duration: 2 days
Delivery: Designed primarily for organisational/team delivery
Format: Interactive workshops combining discussion, practical exercises, coaching and skills practice
Audience: Healthcare professionals preparing for or currently undertaking the preceptor role
The programme can be tailored around the needs of your organisation and existing preceptorship provision.
[Discuss Preceptorship Training]
[Explore Communication for Clinicians]