The meaning of being a primary nurse preceptor for newly graduated nurses.

Understanding the meaning of being the primary preceptor for newly graduated nurses during their transition into clinical practice has implications for hospital administrators, nurse leaders, and staff development nurses. This qualitative study explores the meaning of this experience through interviews with six preceptors. Findings suggest that nursing leaders need to clarify other roles that preceptors are expected to fill while precepting, implement a systematic approach to match preceptors with preceptees, and provide support for development of the preceptor role and daily preceptor practice.