Between challenges and support: Preceptors run clinical nursing training amidst unprecedented crisis

This study aimed to address challenges facing nurse preceptors related to multifaceted educational roles, academic and institutional support during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Kingdom of Bahrain Clinical nurse preceptors have faced great challenges since the influx of the COVID-19 pandemic. At this unprecedented time, they are overwhelmed with additional responsibilities to follow the COVID-19 precautionary measures alongside their usual educational role. So, they require careful preparation and massive institutional support. A descriptive study was conducted in different clinical settings in the Kingdom of Bahrain. A sample of 125 clinical nurse preceptors who participated in the students' training for at least one full clinical rotation during the COVID-19 pandemic responded to two questionnaires regarding the clinical nurse preceptor role, preparedness, and institutional support provided to them during the COVID-19 crisis. It is revealed that 40.8%, 51.0%, and 53.0% of the preceptors faced major challenges regarding the teacher, facilitator, and feedback provider/evaluator roles during the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, 71.2% of the preceptors were incredibly overwhelmed with additional instructions related to COVID-19 precautions alongside covering course learning objectives for the students. However, most of them did not perceive challenges concerning both academic and institutional support. The clinical nurse preceptors declared they received adequate pedogeological preparation, academic and institutional support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. They also encountered moderate and minor challenges while mentoring nursing students during such a critical era.