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The preceptor role is invaluable within nurse education. This study supports the release of registered nurses to attend preceptor preparation programmes. It highlights the importance of nursing management in preceptor selection, release, support and monitoring in order to create an effective clinical learning environment.

The aim of this paper is to assist the novice researcher in the research ethics application process. The novice researcher in this context refers to any researcher negotiating a research ethics application for the first time. This may be a student or a more experienced registered nurse engaged in research activity. The paper applies ethical principles to the varied elements of a research ethics application form to explain the theoretical basis of the application criteria. The impetus for this paper arose following an internal audit of the decisions made by the research ethics committee of the nursing department at the Institute of Technology in Tralee, Ireland. The audit revealed the common reasons why full approval was not granted following initial review. This information prompted the development of a paper which would assist novice researchers in avoiding common errors and omissions in the research ethics application process. Despite the specific requirements of individual research ethics committees in different jurisdictions, the fundamental elements of research ethics approval remain unchanged. While the paper has local origins, its relevance holds a wider appeal. The paper takes a structured approach using the three ethical principles of respect for persons, beneficence, and justice, as outlined by the Belmont Report (1979) to provide a framework for discussion. Despite the advent of other frequently used frameworks for research ethics, the principles of the Belmont report remain constant as guidance for good practice in the research ethics context.

Aims To explore the concept of therapeutic communication within the nurse–patient relationship, using concept analysis. Background Therapeutic communication is a term that is often used in the nursing and related sciences literature, and yet it is still an ambiguous concept. Concept clarification is required to support other healthcare professionals' understanding and to guide theory development and practice. Design A concept analysis methodology was used, as proposed by Walker and Avant. Data Sources A systematic literature search was performed using the Cochrane database, Science Direct, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, Academic Search Complete, MEDLINE and PsycARTICLES with studies published within the last 20 years. Review Methods The framework by Walker and Avant was adopted. The attributes, antecedents, consequences and uses of the concept were identified. Results The attributes were information exchange, mutual respect, engagement and managing health issues of concern to the patient. The antecedents were those related to the nurse and those related to the patient. The consequences included patient satisfaction, quicker recovery time, high‐quality health care outcomes and positive nurse–patient relationship outcomes. Conclusions A theoretical definition of the concept was developed. The attributes, antecedents and consequences identified in this paper can be used in nursing education, research and managerial and organizational planning.

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