Background: There is a paucity of research describing burnout among nurses who work in the role of a preceptor, in the inpatient setting. In 2017, precepting nurses at an academic children's hospital were surveyed using the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OBI). Results of the survey inspired leadership to further explore this phenomenon using key informant interviews.
Methods: Prospective qualitative description with individual interviews analyzed using conventional content analysis.
Results: In regard to burnout, five themes illustrated the experiences of precepting nurses. "Feeling the Responsibility" reflected the cognitive stain of precepting. "An Obligation to the Role," reflected the dimensions of the OBI that addressed distancing and decreased interest in the work. However, preceptors described positive experiences "It Challenges Me Every Day," awareness of resources "Nursing Response," and insights for improving the preceptor program, "Future Strategies."
Conclusions: While elements of the OBI were salient in the data, three inductive themes highlighted the balance of positive challenges and learning opportunities that inspire preceptors.
Keywords: Burnout; Development; Nursing professional; Preceptor; Qualitative research.
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