The value of preceptorship for newly qualified midwives

The aim of the study was to examine the views and learning needs of student midwives at the point of registration in order to inform the development of a new preceptorship programme for newly qualified midwives using a qualitative phenomenological approach. Ten third year student midwives enrolled on an undergraduate BSc Midwifery programme were included in the study. Questionnaires and a focus group session were employed to collect data. Eight students returned the questionnaire and nine attended the focus group. Data were thematically analysed using an inductive approach. The results suggest that preceptorship is highly valued by the students questioned and a period of preceptorship in a maternity unit they are familiar with was highlighted as being important in building confidence. It was also suggested that preceptorship programmes should focus on clinical skills enhancement, ward management and socialisation into the workplace.