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Preceptor: A Nurse’s Guide to Mentoring
Sue Ullrich, Ann Haffer. Sacramento, Calif: California State University; 2001. CD-ROM. $38.95. ISBN: 0708-3.

Reviewed by Jo Ann Jenkins RN, MSN, CCRN

This computer-assisted learning presentation in CD-ROM format, Preceptor: A Nurses’s Guide to Mentoring, is designed as an introduction to the preceptor role. The content addresses how this role can be implemented with either nursing students or during employee orientation. The presentation of content is well organized and easy to use. The navigator allows for selection of individual learning modules as well as options such as search, glossary, and an especially useful note-taking function. The program also allows printing of selected content and multiple forms. The forms are designed to help ensure consistency and completeness of the mentoring process. These forms are well designed and are adaptable to a number of settings.

The CD-ROM contains 8 individual modules: (1) introduction, which presents the mentoring process; (2) basic concerns—getting started; (3) beginner behaviors; (4) adult learner styles; (5) motivation; (6) time management; (7) legal regulations; and (8) assessment.

Each module begins by asking questions that stimulate thinking, then progresses to instruction on the topic, and ends with questions to assess mastery of the topic. Questions that are answered correctly are recognized by the program. Incorrect answers are referred for immediate remediation. Although some of the questions focus too strongly on exact use of terminology, most questions are useful to reinforce content.

Each module takes about 15 to 20 minutes to complete. Therefore, the entire program requires less than 3 hours to finish. The graphics are current and attractive, which help to hold interest. Questions are presented in several styles, which prove interesting. Although the program would be useful for preparing preceptors to work with nursing students, it would be especially beneficial within an orientation program. The sections on identifying individual learning styles and giving feedback appear to be especially valuable. The use of this programmed instruction should provide a good beginning for individuals who are new to the preceptor role and help experienced preceptors to improve their mentoring skills. The preceptor planning guide, time management forms, and clinical preceptor assessment tool would also be useful within a preceptor program.

Jo Ann Jenkins is an assistant professor at Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg, Mo.

This Article Full Text (PDF) Respond to This Article Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when eLetters are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Jenkins, J. A. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Jenkins, J. A.