Abstract
Purpose: This study aimed to elucidate the recognitions of public health nurses (PHNs) during preceptorships for novice public health nurses.
Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine PHNs, who had experience acting as preceptors. Interview data were analyzed qualitatively and subjected to descriptive analysis.
Results: Recognitions experienced during preceptorships for novice PHNs were divided into two major types: (1) perspective transformation as a PHN, and (2) perspective transformation as a member of the organization. The first type of perspective transformation was the process of: “noticing the necessity of accepting the role of fostering novice PHN” and then “noticing the importance of matching the teaching to the developing novice PHN,” “noticing that fostering the novice PHN is their learning task,” furthermore, “by learning from novice PHN, noticing the necessity to exceed their own limitations.” The second type of perspective transformation was the process of: “noticing the necessity to work on the organization” and so “noticing the necessity to learn among staff,” “noticing the importance of re-recognizing the PHN roles among the organization,” moreover, “noticing the necessity of working on improving the organization as a member of the organization.”
Conclusion: Adopting the PHNs’ preceptor role resulted in perspective transformations as a PHN, and as a member of the organization, namely, transformative learning.
