THANK YOU!

Thank you for becoming a preceptor for our Hybrid Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing students at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine. The success of our program depends on the dedication of health care providers such as yourself who are interested in contributing to our students’ educational process. 

This guide provides baseline information about the precepting experience, as well as a number of frequently asked questions. However, please feel free to reach out to your student’s clinical faculty member if you have any additional questions.

PRECEPTOR AND STUDENT EXPECTATIONS

Preceptor Role

A preceptor is an experienced nurse who agrees to teach students in the clinical environment using a variety of clinical skills and education tools. Preceptors serve as role models, showing professional behavior, and appropriate nursing actions and behaviors. 

They help student preceptees learn by providing feedback, maintaining a safe learning environment, and determining appropriate tasks for the student. Preceptors collaborate with the preceptee and the clinical faculty to ensure the clinical experience is satisfactory for all parties.

As a preceptor, you will engage in multiple roles, such as:

• Teacher
• Coach
• Leader/Influencer
• Facilitator/Socialization agent
• Evaluator
• Protector
• Role Model

Preceptor Responsibilities

As a preceptor, you will also have several responsibilities:

• Provide support and encouragement to the student
• Provide a variety of learning experiences within the clinical setting
• Educate/inform the student about unit policies, procedures, and guidelines
• Expect the student to work on days/times according to your schedule throughout the semester
• Notify the student of any changes in the schedule
• Support the student in their learning of skills and professional behaviors
• Maintain or co-sign the time log to document the student’s precepted hours
• Report any adverse events or outcomes to the clinical faculty, the clinical placement coordinator, or a designated clinical faculty member
• Offer frequent feedback to the student on their performance, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement
• Notify the instructor and/or clinical faculty if the student is not meeting objectives
• Evaluate student's final paperwork/concept map/care plan assignment
• Complete evaluations as requested 
• According to Ulrich (2019)*, to be a preceptor, RNs agree to the following:
  • Supervise one preceptee at a time
  • Demonstrate a philosophy of healthcare congruent with that of the participating school
  • Role model humanistic, holistic nursing care practice, critical-thinking behaviors, and use of evidence-based nursing practice

*Ulrich, B. (2019). Mastering precepting: A nurse's handbook for success (2nd ed.). Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.

Student Responsibilities

Students also have responsibilities to ensure a successful precepting experience: 

• Arrive on time and take breaks at an appropriate time
• Review personal goals for the precepted experience with the preceptor, and revise if needed
• Determine an appropriate work schedule and complete precepted dates as scheduled
• Dates and hours selected must not conflict with classes or other clinicals
• Be dressed in the Saint Joseph’s College of Maine nursing uniform unless scrubs are required for the agency or unit 
  • On hospital property, students must be in the complete (and appropriate) student uniform or hospital-issued scrubs
• Demonstrate an attitude of cooperation and willingness to learn
• Establish rapport with clients and families
• Work as a team member
• Demonstrate effective communication with clients, staff members, and the preceptor
• Follow all hospital regulations and guidelines for practice
• Immediately report any adverse events or outcomes to preceptor, unit manager, and clinical faculty or clinical coordinator, depending on the issue
• Seek new learning experiences and request help when needed
• Accept guidance and suggestions with a positive attitude
• Improve in skills, knowledge, and understanding of the professional nurse role
• Notify the instructor, clinical faculty, and preceptor of emergency changes in schedule

IMPORTANT INFORMATION BEFORE THE FIRST DAY

It is important to cover the following items with the student prior to the start of clinicals or during your first clinical meeting:

• Clinical shift schedule
• Required dress code based on student handbook and facility policy
• Parking policy
• ID badge
• Computer access/training
• Expectations regarding timeliness, professionalism, preparedness, etc.
• Clinical absence policy and expectations
• Current skill level and position in course progression
• Clinical objectives and goals (course and clinical objectives will be provided by the clinical faculty to guide the students clinical experience)

CLINICAL PREPARATION

Orientation Process

Each hospital organization may differ regarding the orientation process for nursing students. Please coordinate with the clinical faculty and agency to ensure proper student orientation. On the first day of the rotation, students need to be oriented by the preceptor to the important hospital areas and the nursing unit. Pertinent unit procedures regarding PPE and COVID-19 guidelines should be reviewed before the student engages in patient care.

Necessary Documentation

All documentation needed for preceptors will be handled by either the hospital agency or the nursing administration office at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine. We recommend preceptors check their email frequently to ensure further documentation or information is not needed.

Setting Expectations, Goals and Objectives

Course and clinical objectives will be provided by the clinical faculty and should guide the student’s clinical experience.

At the beginning of the clinical experience, the student and preceptor should sit down and discuss the clinical objectives. The preceptor should also inquire about other goals or objectives the student has for their clinical experience. This information helps the preceptor plan the clinical experience and provide learning opportunities and student-specific instruction.

The preceptor should also be aware of the student’s current skills and knowledge base as it pertains to the clinical setting. Using the program plan of study and previous clinical objectives, the preceptor can gain an understanding of the skills and experiences the students are already equipped with.

FORMATIVE EVALUATION PROCESS

A crucial role of the preceptor is being an evaluator. On the first day of the clinical experience, explain to the students that feedback will be provided often throughout the precepted experience. Providing feedback to students is necessary for their learning and growth.

FORMS AND PLANNING RESOURCES

SJC Preceptor Agreement - TBD

HYBRID ABSN CURRICULUM

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)