A nursing preceptorship programme to support newly qualified and registered nurses and increase recruitment and retention has been launched by HC-One.

The preceptorship programme has been designed by HC-One’s senior nursing team, in line with the NMC’s Principles of Preceptorship, the NHS Gold Standard Framework for Preceptorship and Scotland’s Flying Start Programme.

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), which regulates nurses and nursing associates in the UK, advocates a period of preceptorship for newly qualified nurses and those registering in the UK for the first time.

Sharon Burlace, head of nursing at HC-One, said: “Nurses play a pivotal role in social care, and we want to do as much as we can to support our nurses, and we also encourage people to consider a nursing career in social care.

“We’re very excited to be launching our preceptorship programme which will make a real difference to the experience of both our nurses and our residents.”

The programme will support the following nurses to develop the skills and confidence to enjoy a rewarding career in the care sector:

• Newly registered nurses (within first year of graduating), Allied Health Professionals (AHP)​
• International nurses, newly registered with UK NMC​
• Registered nursing associates​
• Nurses or AHPs returning to practice after a break of 12 months or more.
• Nurses or AHPs requiring support or specific development, eg, during a period of restorative practice
• Newly promoted HC-One nurses eg, nurse to clinical lead
• Nurses transitioning from a different sector.

Preceptees will work through an individual learning plan with their preceptor to develop skills, confidence and improve their practice. Before becoming a nurse in charge of a shift, preceptees will work with their preceptor to sign off on clinical and leadership competencies.