Preceptor/ Mentor Development: The Key to Strengthening Nursing Teams
Nursing preceptors and mentors are the connectors of past, present, and future RN practice. They hold the insights of nurses before them, knowledge of daily practice at their facility, and the position to share this intel with less experienced nurses. With the significance of this role, preceptors and mentors influence retention, job satisfaction, and the quality of care delivered by their teams.
On this journey, structured learning pathways prepare seasoned RNs to step into this role and guide the next generation of nurses to be a robust and well-prepared workforce. With preceptor/ mentor development programs, experienced nurses are equipped with the communication, feedback, and leadership skills to build effective relationships with novice RNs and form stronger nursing teams.
Boost Critical Thinking
As new grad RNs begin clinical practice, they must adjust their thinking to that of a nurse to promote appropriate clinical decision-making and safe patient care. During this experience, the support of a preceptor or mentor is one of the most influential elements in refining critical thinking skills (Boyer, 2008). A preceptor or mentor can provide valuable guidance on self-awareness in practice, their thought process behind actions, and the nuances of bedside situations that lead to their responses. Although translating these thoughts can be a challenge for some RNs.
In this way, educating preceptors and mentors on communication models and learning styles gives them the foundation to convey their insights effectively. As found in a study published in Nurse Education Today, “multifaceted mentoring competence” was essential to the learning and confidence of novice nurses. The research findings also suggest providing education support to develop mentors is helpful to this process (Tuomikoski, 2020). With structured learning pathways, seasoned caregivers have the tools to optimize teaching moments while encouraging critical thinking and reflection.
Improved Feedback and Transfer of Knowledge
At the center of the preceptor or mentor relationship is observing how novice nurses deliver care and providing effective feedback on best practices. However, it can be a difficult conversation to have for fear of how the feedback will be received. With this role, preceptors and mentors can benefit from learning about feedback models, methods, and timing to offer their expertise in a constructive way for the preceptee/ mentee to receive. In a study published in Nursing Management, a structured framework, encouraging self-reflection, and a supportive environment are strategies found to help nurse leaders deliver feedback (Butler, 2024). In navigating these discussions, building the skills of experienced nurses nurtures a productive conversation between the two. As experienced nurses refine their ability to provide constructive criticism, they are better able to lead and support a successful transfer of knowledge.
Positive Relationships Foster Resilience
When experienced caregivers are educated for their new position, they are prepared to cultivate a positive relationship with new team members. As RNs build closer relationships with their colleagues, preceptorship and mentorship benefit both parties, fostering resilience, curbing burnout, and preparing them for more opportunities in their nursing careers (University of Tulsa, 2026).
Novice nurses face many new challenges when transitioning to practice, and experienced nurses can help navigate personal barriers, conflict resolution, and career pathways. Having reassurance and a guiding presence along the way helps to foster resilience in early practice while helping novice nurses feel a part of the professional nursing community. Also, through this experience, seasoned RNs gain leadership skills, a new perspective on current evidence-based practices, and engage in new ways with their profession. A process that nurtures compassion for nurse colleagues while at the same time helping healthcare facilities benefit from boosted retention of nurses across career stages (Reabold, 2026).
Experienced caregivers have an opportunity to fill a unique space with preceptorship/ mentorship. In this way, preceptor/ mentor development provides the ‘know-how’ to nurture critical thinking among novice nurses, offer effective feedback, and foster resilience in practice. By maximizing the collaboration and communication of experienced nurses, such development helps to improve the relationships among peers and strengthen nursing teams along the way.
References
Butler S. (2024). Feedback in nursing practice: exploring barriers to and strategies for effective delivery. Nursing Management. https://doi.org/10.7748/nm.2024.e2145
Boyer S. A. (2008). Competence and innovation in preceptor development: updating our programs. Journal for Nurses in Staff Development, 24(2), E1–E6. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NND.0000300872.43857.0b
Reabold, T., Quattrini, V. (2026). Charting the Course: Exploring the dynamic impact of mentorship programs on nurse practitioner satisfaction and health care outcomes. Journal of Emergency Nursing, 52(1), 66-71. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jen.2025.07.014
Tuomikoski, A., Ruotsalainen, H., Mikkonen, T., Kaariainen, M. (2020). Nurses' experiences of their competence at mentoring nursing students during clinical practice: A systematic review of qualitative studies. Nurse Education Today, 85. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2019.104258
University of Tulsa. (2026, March 2). The benefits of nurse mentoring. https://online.utulsa.edu/blog/nurse-mentoring/
To Cite This Article
Carden, I. (2026, July 13). Preceptor/ Mentor Development: The Key to Strengthening Nursing Teams. TruMont.
