Why allyship is a vital part of preceptorship

Claire Leenhouwers, National Professional Lead – Nursing, ÌìÃÀmv discusses how allyship links into preceptorship – an important part of the nursing role.

Allyship in its essence is all about advocating for a marginalised group or individual recognising that you’re in the privileged position of being able to do so.

In nursing, a structured period of preceptorship is crucial to enable those who are newly-registered to find their feet, gain confidence and settle into their roles.

ÌìÃÀmv recently launched a new nursing preceptorship package designed specifically for adult social care providers in England - a key step in delivering on the ambitions of the Workforce Strategy for Adult Social Care. This is funded by the ÌìÃÀmv ‘Small but Mighty’ programme

The make clear what the expectations are in relation to the delivery of successful periods of preceptorship.

There is a need for organisations to create a workplace culture which promotes and encourages preceptorship and recognises its value in giving newly-registered professionals the support needed to commence their new roles with a sense of belonging.

The NMC principles very much focus on the wellbeing of the individual who is newly-registered (the preceptee). Allyship aligns closely with this purpose. As a preceptor (a role that is carried out by a more experienced member of nursing staff) there is a responsibility to support the wellbeing of the preceptee. As someone who has experience and knowledge of the nursing role, a preceptor is in a privileged position when it comes to supporting those new to role.

A preceptor therefore needs to be mindful of the journey that the newly-registered professional has been on. The most recent ÌìÃÀmv data identifies that almost 50% of registered nurses working in adult social care do not identify as white. A recognition of the diversity of the workforce is crucial when offering preceptorship and is in line with the It is through recognising and appreciating diversity that a preceptor can truly act as an ally in a way that acknowledges their preceptee’s lived experience and demonstrates professional curiosity. We can demonstrate professional curiosity towards our colleagues by not making assumptions, asking questions and seeking to find out more.

This is especially important when we consider the journeys that student nurses and nursing associates will have taken to get to the point of registration. There’s a possibility that they may have encountered systemic issues of discrimination within their training, whether this takes place within the education or placement environment, as identified within numerous pieces of research. Equally for those new to the register who are internationally educated there’s a need to consider the differences and opportunities that come with this. Understanding this context is fundamentally important when acting as an ally.

A preceptor, in many ways, is in a position of power to influence. They are there to help preceptees identify learning experiences, and develop as newly-registered staff. They are therefore able to advocate for their preceptee, ensure equality of opportunity and to speak up if they feel an individual is at risk of being obstructed from receiving these opportunities. But they are also there to help an individual speak up for themselves.

One of the key NMC principles of preceptorship is ‘preceptee empowerment’. Allyship is very much about empowering individuals and preceptorship is all about building confidence in those newly-registered staff.

Preceptors are role models for their preceptees. To act as a role model it is therefore important to reflect on our own behaviours and values as much as we support preceptees to reflect on their own. Allyship is about being mindful of our differences.

From the outset a new preceptee will look to their preceptor for guidance and support. The nursing profession as a whole, as part of the process, is encouraged to look inwards and reflect on how we behave, how we develop as individuals and how we respond to feedback. Acting as a preceptor, or supporting preceptorship within an organisation, is all about role modelling a culture of inclusivity and listening and responding where we may fall short.

The long-term benefits of preceptorship are identified through retainment figures. The most recent identified that 74% of surveyed professionals reported that quality preceptorship had an impact on their intention to stay within their organisation. Preceptors as allies are therefore hugely important in terms of creating environments where those who are new to role thrive, belong and stay. But, organisations must also buy in to the importance of preceptorship to create the culture of allyship that is required to make a difference.

Find out more about preceptorship in nursing. 

Find out more about allyship. 

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