Background Being able to speak up is a prerequisite for establishing safe communication in healthcare settings. The nursing preceptorship programme represents an opportunity for newly qualified nurses to develop and practise assertive communication skills.

Aim To examine newly qualified nurses’ views on how nursing preceptorship programmes contribute to shaping their assertive communication skills.

Method 42 newly qualified nurses from four acute hospital trusts in east England completed open-ended questions included in a cross-sectional survey. Participants’ qualitative comments were analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings Three themes related to speaking up during the nursing preceptorship programme emerged: enthusiastic versus sceptical, the role of a supportive working culture, and logistical challenges.

Conclusion Nursing preceptorship programmes can develop newly qualified nurses life-enhancing assertive communication skills if they provide inspiring preceptors who act as role models, create a supportive working culture and support nursing preceptors to deliver effective preceptorship. It is imperative that nursing preceptorship programmes are adapted to enable newly qualified nurses to learn and practise assertive communication skills.