Precepting in 2002.

Preceptorships have been used to bridge the gap between nursing education and the reality of the workplace. The role of preceptors to prepare new or transitioning nurses to function more efficiently and earlier has become increasingly important in recent years. To foster positive attitudes in the experienced nurses toward accepting and functioning in the roles of preceptors, nursing administration and nursing education must collaborate. Preceptors have the ability to shape, nurture, influence, and support novice nurses. Experienced nurses hold the responsibility to encourage this commitment.