Which of the following best describes the role of a preceptor in nursing?

The role of a preceptor in nursing is primarily focused on guiding the integration of a new nurse or nursing student into a specific clinical unit. This involves providing support and direction as the preceptee navigates through their practice environment, helping them adjust to the unit's culture, policies, and procedures. Preceptors serve as mentors, sharing their knowledge and experiences to facilitate a smoother transition for the preceptee from theory to practice.

In addition to integration, preceptors often foster professional development by empowering new nurses to build their confidence and competence in clinical skills. This supportive relationship encourages learning, promotes effective communication, and helps to establish a sense of belonging within the team.

While evaluating clinical performance and teaching specific nursing interventions are important aspects of a preceptor's role, they are secondary to the broader objective of ensuring that the preceptee feels welcomed and capable within the context of their new workplace. Quality assurance reviews, on the other hand, are typically undertaken by managers or administrative staff to ensure that standards and regulations are being met within the clinical setting, which is not the main responsibility of a preceptor.