Supporting preceptors: a three-pronged approach for success.

This article describes the development and implementation of the Nursing Preceptor Program (NPP), an innovative program that provides training and support to preceptors working with undergraduate nursing students. The main objective of the NPP is to support the learning outcomes of students by preparing and supporting preceptors for their roles. The University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing created a three-pronged program: a self-paced, modular, online preceptor course; a dedicated web page for both preceptors and students; and a relational database that can be queried for information on clinical sites and preceptors, catalogued by semester and year. A task force, consisting of local academic and clinical experts, was created to help with program development. To date, 25 preceptors have participated in the online course. Evaluations have been positive. Preceptors believe the included information is applicable and the modules, as a whole, are well planned and written.