The literature shows many reasons why providers have chosen to precept:
Practitioners also report intangible advantages:
A preceptor must have authorization by the appropriate state licensing entity to practice and/or specialty area.
A preceptor must have educational preparation appropriate to his/her area(s) of supervisory responsibility and at least one year of relevant clinical experience:
National certification in the relevant specialty area is preferred but relevant clinic experience will also be considered.
Our school will ask you for a copy of your current license and national certification, if appropriate.
Prior to clinical practicum, students complete several semesters of course work to understand health, illness and treatment.
As they work beside you in practice, they see both the application of their didactic course work and how practitioners move science into everyday clinical work. They see your expertise in action.
You will bridge the gap between the information presented in class and the application of that knowledge in the clinic setting.
As a preceptor, you will both mentor and coach students, inspiring through example as you provide guidance and share wisdom.
As the student grows in confidence, they will begin to demonstrate the patient care competencies vital to their future success.
We have particular expectations for students:
The student should inform you of:
Introduce them as “an APRN student,” not “a student APRN.”
Take a positive approach and emphasize some benefits of the Preceptor - APRN student team.
Reassure the client that they are getting the care they would normally receive, plus the addition of an intelligent, detail-oriented and motivated APRN student.
Additional comments you might make:
Clients may always refuse. If this happens, remind the student that it does not reflect on their skills or abilities.