233 - Implementation of Preceptor Training Program at a Large Tertiary Hospital

Description: Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) at a large tertiary hospital routinely mentor resident nurse anesthetists (RRNAs), yet, echoing national data that only 6%–14% of preceptors ever receive formal preparation, the site had no structured program. Inadequate preceptorship undermines learner confidence, hinders skill transfer, and may compromise patient safety in high-acuity operating rooms, making a standardized curriculum a pressing quality-improvement need.

To address this gap, investigators asked whether introducing a comprehensive Preceptor Training Program (PTP), versus usual practice, would improve CRNA intra-/interpersonal skills, knowledge, perceived administrative support, and general self-efficacy over three months, as measured by the Preceptor Self-Assessment Tool (PSAT-40) and the 10-item General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE). Drawing on the Institute for Healthcare Improvement's Model for Improvement and Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles, the evidence-based protocol blended web-based trigger-film simulations, reflective prompts aligned with PSAT competencies, and curated best-practice resources; the PSAT-40's S-CVI of 0.90 and the GSE's robust reliability supported instrument choice.

After IRB non-human research determination, eligible CRNAs received a baseline survey (demographics, PSAT-40, GSE), two-week access to the PTP website, and encouragement to integrate new strategies immediately; a follow-up survey was sent eight weeks later. Thirteen CRNAs completed pre-training measures and seven completed post-training measures, with attrition linked to Hurricanes Helene and Milton, staff turnover, and competing clinical priorities.

Median scores improved in intra/interpersonal skills (109→117), knowledge (37→44), and administrative support (14→17), whereas self-efficacy dipped slightly (37→35); none of these shifts achieved statistical significance (all p > 0.05), yet upward trends in three domains signal educational benefit. The authors posit that clearer navigation, weekly reminders, sustained platform access, and a hybrid (online + in-person) format could heighten engagement and statistical power in future cycles.

For perioperative nursing leaders, a refined PTP offers a scalable path to elevate teaching competence, accelerate RRNA learning curves, and bolster workforce stability through greater preceptor satisfaction and retention. Embedding structured preceptor education in orientation, allocating protected time, and linking program metrics to patient-safety outcomes and learner performance can magnify value and foster a culture of continuous improvement in the operating suite.