Validation of the PHNs precepting experiential learning causal model for preceptors of novice public health nurses in Japan

AIMS: The purpose of this study was to analyse the relationship among public health nurse (PHN) precepting experiential learning (PHN‐PEL) and the outcomes. BACKGROUND: The government supported PHNs' systematic career development and precepting learners. DESIGN: A nationwide questionnaire survey was conducted for PHNs who precepted novice PHNs in governmental units from 2012 to 2015. METHODS: “PHN Precepting Experiential Learning Scale,” “Professional Development for Public Health Nurses” and “Awareness of Responsibility for Organization” were examined through structural equation modelling. RESULTS: Usable responses were 378 (43.5%). Significant relationships were as follows: “Role Performance of Fostering Novice PHN” related to “Self‐development as a PHN” (β = 0.72, p < .001); “Role Performance of Fostering Novice PHN” related to “Sharing to Foster Novice PHN” (β = 0.52, p < .001) and “Sharing to Foster Novice PHN” related to “Improving Career Development Environment” (β = 0.69, p < .001). “Role Performance of Fostering Novice PHN” and “Self‐development as a PHN” related to “Professional Development for Public Health Nurse” (β = 0.31, p < .001; β = 0.29, p < .001). Moreover, “Improving Career Development Environment” related to “Awareness of Responsibility for Organization” (β = 0.33, p < .001).