At Athena Care Homes, we understand that starting a new job as a nurse can be both exciting and challenging. Whether you’re newly qualified, joining us from another country, or returning to nursing after a break, we want to make sure all our team members feel supported, confident, and ready to deliver the best possible care to our residents. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce our new Preceptorship Programme.
Simply put, the Preceptorship Programme is a structured, supportive programme that pairs new nurses with an experienced mentor, known as a preceptor.
Think of a preceptor as a professional friend – someone who’s there to guide, encourage, and help you settle into your role at Athena. Our goal is to ensure that every new nurse feels both competent and confident as they begin their journey with us.
Clinical Quality Manager Becky Garwood explained, “While preceptorship is mandatory in the NHS, it’s not a requirement in the social care sector. However, at Athena Care Homes, we believe that supporting our nurses is crucial.
“We want to ensure that every member of our nursing team has the resources, knowledge, and confidence they need to provide excellent care. This programme is part of our commitment to maintaining high standards of care and ensuring our team members feel valued and supported.”
The Preceptorship Programme is designed to support:
- Newly qualified nurses: Starting your career can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone.
- Nurses joining us from other countries: We understand that working in a new country comes with its own set of challenges, and we’re here to help.
- Nurses returning to practice: If you’ve been away from nursing for a while, this programme will help you refresh your skills and regain confidence.
Nurses joining one of our Athena care homes will be paired with a trained preceptor who will provide support through the first six months and beyond if necessary.
This support will be tailored to individual needs – whether that’s helping with specific skills like wound care, medication administration, or catheterisation. We recognise that everyone has different experiences and skill sets, so the programme is flexible to make sure every individual gets the guidance they need, when they need it.
Each of our care homes will have a number of trained preceptors, depending on the size of the nursing team, so there will always be someone to turn to. The aim is to provide a safe, nurturing environment where nurses can learn from each other and grow, building both competence and confidence.
Benefits of the programme –
The benefits extend beyond just the nurses; the preceptorship programme will enhance the overall care we provide to our residents. Here’s how:
- Personalised support: nurses receive one-on-one support in a safe and structured environment, helping to develop skills and adjust to the role at your own pace.
- Increased confidence: Our scheme aims to build confidence in managing shifts, handling responsibilities, and being part of a team.
- Development for preceptors: Existing nurses who take on the preceptor role will also benefit, developing their leadership skills and contributing to their own professional growth.
- Better retention: By supporting our nurses from the beginning, we can build a strong, skilled team that stays with us long-term.
- Quality care for residents: Confident, competent nurses mean our residents receive the best possible care, helping them to live their best lives.
Pictures show the first Preceptors at Goodwins Hall (top) and Ashlynn Grange (below)
