Background:

In Portugal, the legal framework of the Undergraduate Degree in Nursing and the Regulation of Nursing Practice point to the nurse’s contribution to nursing students’ education.

Objective:

To characterize the process of developing clinical preceptors’ skills.

Methodology:

Qualitative study, using the Grounded Theory methodology. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 7 expert nurses. Theoretical sampling was used based on the needs identified in the coding process. Data analysis and treatment followed the methodology adopted.

Results:

The following aspects characterize the development of clinical preceptors’ skills: primary and secondary socialization at the educational level, and experience, knowledge, analytical skills, and professional initiative at the professional level.

Conclusion:

Throughout the development of their skills, the experts highlighted the educational and academic experiences that promote critical reflection and a proactive attitude, and professional aspects such as expertise, analytical skills, and motivation.

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