Psychometric Testing of a Scale Measuring Preceptor Preparedness: The Cap-ExPresSTMStudy

Abstract

Background and Purpose:Preceptors educate nursing students to practice as novice, generalist nurses. There are no instruments measuring preceptor preparedness. The purpose of this study was to psychometrically test the Capstone-Experience Preceptor Preparedness Scale (Cap-ExPresS™).Methods:A cross-sectional multi-site survey design was used.Results:A convenience sample of 118 preceptors was recruited from four Midwest hospitals. Exploratory factor analysis supported a 22-item scale representing four factors demonstrating internal consistency reliability using Cronbach’s alpha: total scale, 0.95, student-centeredness, 0.90, pedagogic competence, 0.90, clinical competence, 0.81, and nurse professionalism, 0.87. Test–retest reliability was adequate for clinical competence at 0.71, 0.50–0.61 for other scores. Some evidence of predictive validity was observed via regression.Conclusions:Psychometric testing supported the validity and reliability of inferences made about preceptor preparedness with Cap-ExPresS™ scores. Scale scores indicate preceptor learning needs, evaluate interventions influencing preceptor preparedness, and assist clinicians to develop best practices for preceptor preparedness.