RESUMO
The concept of preceptorship addresses the need for effective socialization of newly graduated nurses into the frequently challenging hospital environment and attemps to narrow the theory-practice gap that exists within nursing. The present study was aimed at designing, implementing and evaluating an educational program for preparing nurse preceptors in Ain shams university hospitals. This study was conducted at Faculty of Nursing, Ain Shams University. The sample consisted of a group of 30 nurses who internally enrolled in administration specialty of Master .degree in Faculty of nursing Ain Shams University.The tools of data collection included a knowledge questionnaire sheet, program evaluation sheet, and performance evaluation tool.Findings indicated that the program was effective in improving the preceptors' knowledge and performance as reflected in both immediate and three months post program scores. As illustrated in the present study, there was a significant improvement in the preceptors' knowledge regarding all items of knowledge related to preceptorship post and follow up with highly statistical significant difference.These findings supported the study hypothesis that baccalaureate nurses' knowledge and performance in relation to preceptor role will be improved after implementing the educational program. Regarding eveluation of preceptors' performance by researcher, nurse interns and faculty members. As measured by nurse interns, the finding of the present study revealed that slightly more than half of preceptors [53.3%] had a good level of performance, almost quarter of them [33.3%] had an average level of performance, while only [13.4%] of them had poor level of performance. The level of preceptor performance as measured by faculty members and the researcher showed no statistically significant difference performance scores as regard total performance score. Finally, preceptors were positively evaluated the program. They indicated that the program objectives were clear, handout aided were appropriate, questions handled in a respectful manner, educator's voice,, gesture and manner were effective