L'Infermiere Guida come 'Role Model': Percezioni del Ruolo e l'Impatto sulla Formazione dello Studente. Uno Studio Qualitativo nel Contesto Infermieristico Italiano

Background: Nurse preceptors are the key agents of the “hidden curriculum” through their role modeling in a clinical placement. However, their unique perspectives on this dynamic remain underexplored. Aim: This study aimed to explore preceptors’ perceptions regarding their professional role, their expectations of students, and the dynamics of role modeling. Methods: A descriptive-exploratory qualitative study, in accordance with COREQ guidelines, using two virtual focus groups Results: Fourteen professionals participated. Thematic analysis revealed a significant tension between preceptors’ educational ideals and systemic challenges, resulting in forms of “educational triage”. Conclusions: Preceptors strive to model professional “Being” and “Thinking.” However, systemic pressures and perceived student passivity limit effectiveness. Generational discrepancies contribute to interpretive bias, leading preceptors to misinterpret student engagement as disinterest. High workloads and limited support increase the risk of negative role modeling, ultimately compromising the preparation of new nurses. Keywords: “Preceptorship”, “Mentors”, “Students, Nursing”, Education, Nursing”.