Abstract
BACKGROUND: The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic restricted nursing practicums, which limited students' clinical experience. In many programs, hands-on training was replaced with simulations, potentially affecting new nurses' practical skills and decision-making. Consequently, preceptors guiding inexperienced nurses faced increased instructional burdens and challenges in ensuring safe and competent practice. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine how disruptions to clinical practicums due to the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the role performance of preceptors supporting newly graduated nurses in 2022 over time. METHODS: A longitudinal survey involving 426 preceptors from 39 hospitals in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, was conducted three times in 2022 (June, September, and December). The main outcome assessed was preceptor role performance, which was measured using the 35-item Preceptor Role Self-Evaluation Scale. Secondary outcomes included participant demographics and perceived difficulties in guiding new nurses under COVID-19-related practicum restrictions, and they were assessed on a 5-point scale. Ethical and institutional approval was obtained, and the surveys were distributed online via QR codes and email. Participation was voluntary and anonymous, with responses linked over time using the participants' email addresses. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Seventy-six preceptors (six males and 70 females; 17.8% response rate) completed all three surveys. In June, those reporting higher instructional difficulty demonstrated significantly higher role performance, particularly in planning, evaluation, accident prevention, and cooperation between ward staff and patients. By September and December, their ability to cooperate was significantly better. These findings indicate that preceptors who perceived greater difficulty initially improved their performance, which highlights the heightened instructional demands caused by COVID-19 disruptions to clinical training.