Relationship Between the Effectiveness of Structured Preceptorship Programs and the Competency of Nurses in a Tertiary Hospital in Marikina City

This study determined the effect of the structured preceptorship program on the competency of nurses who completed the program in a tertiary hospital in Marikina City. Specifically, it examined the respondents' demographic profile, assessed the effectiveness of the structured preceptorship program in terms of orientation and training, clinical supervision, feedback and evaluation, and mentorship support, evaluated nurses' competency in clinical skills, communication skills, critical thinking, and professional behaviors, determined the significant relationship between the effectiveness of the structured preceptorship program and nursing competency, and identified whether significant differences in competency existed when respondents were grouped according to their demographic profile. The study used a quantitative, descriptive-correlational research design. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered to nurses who had completed the hospital's preceptorship program, and the results were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings revealed that the structured preceptorship program was perceived as highly effective, while the respondents demonstrated a very high level of nursing competency , with professional behaviors receiving the highest rating. A very strong positive and statistically significant relationship was found between the effectiveness of the structured preceptorship program and nursing competency. No significant differences in competency were observed when respondents were grouped according to age, gender, educational attainment, and length of employment. The findings indicate that structured preceptorship programs play a significant role in enhancing nurses' competency and support the continued implementation and strengthening of competency-based preceptorship programs to facilitate nurses' successful transition into professional practice.