Preceptors play an important role in the education of nurses and health professionals. Not only do they “extend the reach” of faculty, they also allow more students to be prepared by providing real world experiences. The preceptor is usually an experienced clinician who facilitates and evaluates student learning in the clinical area over a specified time frame. Preceptors take responsibility for the student in the clinical area, in addition to other responsibilities they hold as part of their professional role. Stokes & Kost (2012) suggest that the “preceptor model is based on the assumption that a consistent, one-on-one relationship between the student and the provider provides opportunities for socialization into practice and bridges the gap between theory and practice.”
Although the specific preceptor model may vary among different nursing and health professions programs, the need to prepare the preceptor for their role and continue to offer support throughout the training cycle is critical. This white paper suggests strategies to ensure that the preceptor experience is positive for the clinician, students, and faculty.
