Preceptorship is an important period for newly registered nurses. A constructive, supportive relationship with their preceptor can help them to develop their confidence and skills and provide a positive start to a career in nursing. This article describes the fictional case of a newly qualified nurse who had recently joined a general practice team and whose preceptor had been her mentor when she was on placement as a student. It explores factors that can negatively affect the relationship between preceptor and preceptee, including reluctance to share knowledge, personality differences, a static preceptorship process, poor communication, a lack of structured learning and a lack of organisational support. The author provides recommendations for preceptors, preceptees and organisations on how to make preceptorship relevant and beneficial for newly registered nurses, which will in turn promote nurse recruitment and retention in general practice.