The hospital clinical preceptor: essential preparation for success.

Hospitals have a responsibility to provide preceptors with the knowledge and skills required to provide bedside instruction to and evaluation of orientees. Formal preceptor preparation programs that provide practical information for immediate application are necessary for successful transition of orientees into patient care environments. Essential content includes the importance of socialization, skill building techniques, critical thinking facilitation, and assignment management. Preceptor preparation courses need to be based on adult learning principles and incorporate interactive and creative teaching strategies.