Initial preceptor education varies considerably from facility to facility. Some health care facilities offer no preparatory program. Others offer a modest program lasting between two and four hours. Still other facilities offer a longer, more comprehensive program; however, even some of these facilities do not require individuals to complete the program before they are assigned preceptor duties.
Most health care facilities offer no ongoing training or support for preceptors. Some other facilities offer refresher courses once a year. Furthermore, according to the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, many preceptors lack information about key resources needed to carry out their duties properly.
Though it is clear that more preparation and support is needed, more research is needed to determine what the specific needs of preceptors are as well as which educational areas they should focus on.