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Abstract
Traditional methods of staff development do not meet the needs of current healthcare organizations. It is difficult to find training that is effective and flexible, meeting variable staff scheduling needs (Chen at al., 2022; Haggerty et al., 2012). Preceptor development was identified as a course important for nurse staff, but difficult to train through a traditional face-to-face class. This case study sought to gain insight into the experiences of nurse preceptors who participated in a blended learning nurse preceptor development course. Intentions of the course are to train preceptors so they have the confidence, tools, and resources they need to successfully train and onboard new nurses, providing confidence and safety in their practice. The following research questions will guide this study: 1) What are the experiences of nurse preceptors who attended the blended learning preceptor development course?; 2) How do nurse preceptors perceive their level of preparedness in being able to successfully train and onboard new nursing staff after attendance in the blended learning preceptor development course?; 3): How do nurses who attended the blended learning course describe their ability to be able to precept a new hire? Twenty–one nurses participated in the blended learning course, 11 participated in interview one, 7 during focus group, and 6 for interview 2. Using thematic analysis, five themes and 14 subthemes were identified from the data collected. The nurses’ perceptions were favorable for using blended learning for staff development, as it provided a method that they felt prepared them well for the role and increased their confidence to serve in role. They were able to identify benefits for the online component as well as the in-person class. The nurses were also able to use the resources and tools to develop a clear plan for working with new hires.