As part of the BDA Dietetic Workforce Development Programme, the BDA is conducting a preceptorship survey to help us develop our work and support of newly qualified dietitians.
The aim of preceptorship is to enhance the competence and confidence of newly registered practitioners as autonomous professionals. It is a period of structured transition for the newly registered practitioner during which he or she will be supported by a preceptor, to develop their confidence as an autonomous professional, refine skills, values and behaviours and to continue on their journey of life-long learning.” A preceptee is described as an individual who receives support and guidance with the preceptor being the individual who provides this support to the preceptee.
Why is preceptorship important?
Shaping the first year of a dietitian in a way that is supportive and nurturing is essential. To support this the BDA has produced the BDA Preceptorship Programme. This programme, built on the Postregistration Professional Development Framework, is not intended to replace any existing programme led by an employer. It is there to complement existing programmes, with a strong emphasis on dietetic practice and the four pillars of development. The Preceptorship Programme provides a guide and structure to professional development and there are guides available for both preceptor and preceptee to understand expectations of the programme.
Benefits to the newly qualified dietitian
- The BDA Preceptorship Programme offers the tools and resources for newly qualified dietitians to use to develop their knowledge and skills gained in pre-registration training
- The programme aims to enable newly-qualified dietitians to establish a healthy relationship with continuous professional development from the outset of their career
- The Preceptorship Programme improves access to a personalised development programme to develop role and profession related competencies
Benefits to the preceptor
- Acting as a preceptor is very similar to being a practice-based learning educator
- Being a preceptor is a great opportunity to develop your skills in facilitating learning for you to advance your practice in this pillar
- Developing these skills is useful preparation for any management responsibilities you may take on
- Working with newly-qualified dietitians and supporting them to reach their potential can be extremely rewarding, and can make your career as a dietitian even more satisfying
Benefits to the employer
- Preceptorship programmes play a key role in staff development and retention; they promote and encourage an open, honest and transparent culture within the workforce, and support the delivery of high-quality efficient work and healthcare
- The Preceptorship Programme offers the opportunity for practice supervision, and development of resilience strategies to enhance staff wellbeing
- The BDA Preceptorship Programme provides the opportunity to embed a quality assurance process within your service, and enables a healthy culture of professional development
- A preceptorship programme can also be an attractive element to a role for prospective employees
As part of the BDA Dietetic Workforce Development Programme we are conducting a preceptorship survey to help us develop our work and support of newly qualified dietitians. The results of the survey will allow us to develop this programme further with a better understanding of the needs of the workforce. We want to hear from the entire dietetic workforce from registered dietitians to dietetic support workers. Each voice is important so we can continue to support and develop the future of dietetics.
Would you be prepared to send a case study of your experience(s) as a preceptee or preceptor and/or take part in a structured interview about your experience? If yes, contact us at [email protected]. In addition, please share examples of your preceptorship programmes.