The roles and experiences of preceptors in Clinical Teaching of undergraduate Nursing and Midwifery Students in Malawi

Lucky Mhango ^1,2, Diana Jere ³, Gladys Msiska ⁴, Genesis Chorwe-Sungani ³, Ellen Chirwa ⁵

1. Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Mzuzu University
2. Department of Applied Sciences, University of Malawi, Kamuzu College of Nursing/Kamuzu University of Health Sciences
3. Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Malawi, Kamuzu College of Nursing/Kamuzu University of Health Sciences
4. Department of Medical and Surgical Nursing, University of Malawi, Kamuzu College of Nursing/Kamuzu University of Health Sciences
5. Department of Maternal and Child Health, University of Malawi, Kamuzu College of Nursing/Kamuzu University of Health Sciences
   * Correspondance: Lucky Mhango; (mhangolucky@gmail.com)

Keywords: preceptorship, Roles, preceptor, clinical teaching, registered nurse/midwife, clinical instructor.

Abstract
Introduction
Clinical teaching is essential for undergraduate nursing and midwifery students. Registered nurses/midwives trained as preceptors (an experienced nursing/midwifery professional who teaches, supervises, and serves as a role model for a student), guide the students during clinical practices. Literature is scanty on the roles and experiences of the preceptors in Malawi. This study explored the roles and experiences of preceptors during the clinical teaching of the students.
Methods
A cross-sectional study utilising quantitative research design was conducted at four tertiary level hospitals; a mental hospital; one mission hospital and five district hospitals. A total of 87 preceptors completed a Clinical Preceptor Experience Evaluation Tool. Data were analysed using SPSS version 20 and descriptive statistics were computed. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc analysis were used to determine and test significant differences.
Results
The study revealed that respondents were confident in performing their preceptor role; with a good level of experience and education qualification of BSc in Nursing. ANOVA and post hoc comparisons using the Tukey HSD test indicated that the role domain mean scores for the respondents with 4-5 years of post-registration experience (M = 6.61, SD = 0.36) was significantly different (p=0.02) with those with >9 years (M = 6.13, SD = 0.60). The results showed that respondents with 4 -5 years experience were more confident in their preceptorship role than those with >9 years.
Conclusion
This study indicates the roles of preceptors in Malawi to involve facilitating students’ clinical teaching and learning. It suggests that registered nurses/midwives with a BSc in Nursing are suitable preceptors to facilitate students’ clinical teaching and learning. There is revelation that preceptors with more years of post-registration experience are less confident in their preceptorship role performance.