Preceptorships

NHS preceptorships apply to nurses, midwives, nursing associates, and allied health professionals during their first year of employment, as well as international registrants, those returning to practice, and staff changing roles or specialties.

Why is preceptorship important?

• To provide support to all new registrants early in their career
• To support retention of new registrants
• To lay the foundations for lifelong learning

We offer a minimum 12 month structured preceptorship period, which includes clinical support and a preceptor/buddy.

In 2024 we successfully achieved the national preceptorship for nursing quality mark. 

Preceptor/buddy – you will be allocated a preceptor/buddy in practice – an experienced registrant who will provide you with support in your clinical setting.

Protected time – you will receive protected time for regular meetings with your preceptor/buddy, to discuss progress and ensure relevant training has been completed.

Competencies and training support – you will complete competencies and training relating to your specific area of practice during the preceptorship period, facilitated by the preceptor/buddy and clinical team.

Preceptorship structure

A four-day face to face programme over the first year in practice, including one study day each quarter.  The programme provides the opportunity to consolidate learning as well as peer and pastoral support and to understand Newcastle Hospitals processes.

A range of topics are covered and you will also begin a quality improvement project related to your area of practice.  Preceptorship programmes are planned throughout the year.

We’re committed in supporting you after your first 12 months too.

Once you’ve completed your preceptorship programme we have other training offers to help you develop in your preceptor role, in support of newly registered practitioners and new starters.

Preceptor/buddy community of practice – topics of interest for preceptors, a preceptorship update and time for questions.

Preceptor/buddy training – face to face sessions for new preceptors.

Online/e-learning refresher preceptor training – via MS Teams or via e-learning for experienced preceptors.