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Preceptors Crucial for Nurse Recruiting and Retention, Says CNO
UPMC executive highlights the outsized influence of preceptors in developing relationships with new nurses
Published on Mar. 3, 2026
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According to Jeff Alvarez, vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer at UPMC Washington and UPMC Greene, preceptors play a more influential role than nurse leaders in the recruiting and retention of nurses due to the strong relationships they develop with new nurses during the onboarding process.
Why it matters
Nurse staffing shortages have become a major challenge for healthcare systems, making the recruitment and retention of qualified nurses a top priority. Alvarez’s insights suggest that empowering and supporting preceptors could be a key strategy for improving nurse hiring and keeping nurses engaged long-term.
The details
Preceptors, experienced nurses who guide and mentor new hires, are able to form close bonds with incoming nurses during the critical onboarding period. Alvarez believes these relationships are more impactful than directives from nurse leaders, as preceptors can provide personalized support and guidance that helps new nurses feel welcomed and set up for success.
- The interview with Jeff Alvarez took place on March 3, 2026.
The players
Jeff Alvarez
Vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer at UPMC Washington and UPMC Greene.
UPMC
A large nonprofit health care provider based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
What they’re saying
“Preceptors are more influential than nurse leaders because of the relationships they develop with nurses.”
— Jeff Alvarez, Vice president of patient care services and CNO (HealthLeaders Media)
What’s next
Alvarez suggests healthcare systems should focus on empowering and supporting preceptors as a key strategy for improving nurse recruitment and retention.
The takeaway
Preceptors’ close relationships with new nurses make them a powerful, yet often overlooked, asset in addressing healthcare’s nursing shortage challenges.
