Exploring the experiences of Newly Qualified Registrants (NQRs) who are undertaking a
University Postgraduate module as part of the Preceptorship programme.

Collins, Wendy

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Exploring the experiences of Newly Qualified Registrants (NQRs) who are undertaking a University Postgraduate module as part of the Preceptorship programme.

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Collins, Wendy (2025) Exploring the experiences of Newly Qualified Registrants (NQRs) who are undertaking a University Postgraduate module as part of the Preceptorship programme. Masters thesis, University of Gloucestershire. doi:10.46289/LONE4228

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Official URL: https://eprints.glos.ac.uk/id/eprint/16458

Abstract

Background: Research shows that newly qualified registrants (NQRs) often experience anxiety, stress, and feel inadequately prepared for their new roles and responsibilities. Lack of confidence and feeling overwhelmed can affect self-esteem and ability to provide quality care to our patients. High patient acuity together with the fast pace of the healthcare environment gives the NQR little time to consolidate learning resulting in the NQR doubting their abilities and fear of making mistakes. Preceptorship programmes help ease this transition, helping to build competence, confidence, and retention. However, the literature review has revealed the paucity of evidence exploring the impact that a credit bearing module has. This study aims to address that gap by exploring the experiences of newly qualified registrants (NQRs) undertaking a university postgraduate module as part of the preceptorship programme and whether completing this module provides additional benefits. Aims and Objectives: the aim of this study is to explore the experiences of NQRs who undertook the university postgraduate module as part of their preceptorship programme. The study discovers participants perceptions, expectations, and challenges and to identify the factors that relate to the success or failure of the university postgraduate module. This study also has the potential to provide data on how the postgraduate module further supports the next steps for the NQRs in their professional careers and personal development, which is especially important during the first year of becoming an NQR. Methodology: Semi-structured interviews were conducted to share the distinct experiences and perceptions of a small number of newly qualified registrants who enrolled onto this university postgraduate module as part of their preceptorship programme. Seven NQRs of different grades across an acute NHS Trust were purposively sampled to take part in this study. Two of the participants were international nurses who had varying levels of experience. A further two participants were previously employed as healthcare assistants (HCAs) before undertaking their undergraduate nurse training and had varying experience in their previous roles. The remaining three preceptees had less experience. The semistructured interviews were recorded using an audio recorder for data collection. All the 8 interviews were transcribed verbatim and then analysed thoroughly using Interpretive Phenomenological analysis to identify themes. Findings and Discussion: Themes were identified from the interview data which generated an account of participants experiences. Preceptorship is seen as a supportive programme however the study did highlight a lack of clarity regarding the postgraduate module as part of the preceptorship programme. The NQR accounts highlighting the main reasons and decision in undertaking this module, was to progress within their careers. Surprisingly, although the impact of further study on top of an already busy life was identified this did not deter NQR in undertaking this module. Conclusion: A period of preceptorship helps the NQR to develop their knowledge and skills as they make that transition into their new roles. Other benefits are also identified such as improving clinical practice, staff retention, reduction in staff turnover especially in the current climate of registrant shortages, however, preceptorship itself needs to be defined clearly. As the university postgraduate module is a recent addition to the preceptorship programme more research is required to help us explore if the experiences of completing this module have added benefits and impact for these NQRs as they continue their journey of lifelong learning.

Item Type:

Thesis (Masters)

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