“An aging U.S. population and the increasing complexity of care have intensified the demand for nurses, and a critical shortage of clinical instructors and preceptors (CIPs) threatens the nursing workforce pathway. Experienced nurses are frequently assigned preceptor roles without formal preparation in clinical teaching, feedback, or learner evaluation, which contributes to dissatisfaction and burnout among CIPs and learners alike. Clinical teaching should be attractive, engaging, and meaningful to CIPs rather than a
source of personal liability or stress. Nurses often report that they are not asked, compensated, trained, or resourced to precept—even though it is known that CIPs require specialized, evidence-based training and practical resources to help prepare the next generation of nurses. The challenge is compounded by limited access to high-quality continuing education specifically designed for clinical teaching roles. Available training
resources either require out-of-pocket costs or restrict participation to highly selective programs for baccalaureate-prepared clinical nurses.”