Preceptorship is a structured start for newly registered health care professionals. Its primary aim is to welcome and integrate these professionals into their new team and place of work. It is also about providing these colleagues with the opportunity to translate their knowledge into everyday practice and grow in confidence as they transition to becoming autonomous professionals.
At LUHFT, we offer a 12-month Preceptorship Programme. It adapts a hybrid learning model for five weeks, where preceptees have three days in classroom and two days in their clinical areas. This approach facilitates application of theory into practice. This is supplemented by monthly study days to further enhance their knowledge and skills. The sessions cover:
- Safe and quality patient care
- Clinical skills and simulation
- Communication skills
- Professionalism and accountability
- Leadership and career progression
- Wellbeing and restorative clinical supervision.
The programme is aligned with the gold standards of the National Preceptorship Framework for Nursing. The programme for Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) shares the same principles but differ slightly in subject matter and supernumerary hours, therefore, there are bespoke sessions for AHPs within the programme. The National Preceptorship Framework for AHPs is still underway and will be adapted by the Trust once available.
The Core Preceptorship Team provides ongoing support to both preceptees and preceptors. They facilitate listening and action group meetings, preceptor development workshops, and provision of pastoral support to help staff have a great preceptorship experience.
Ultimately, this Multidisciplinary Preceptorship Programme ensures that our new starters are welcomed into #TeamLUHFT with excellent holistic support to aid them as they navigate their way through becoming confident healthcare professionals.
