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

AIM: 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 BACKGROUND: 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. DESIGN: A descriptive study was conducted in different clinical settings in the Kingdom of Bahrain. METHODS: 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. RESULT: 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. CONCLUSION: 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.