What is a preceptor? What do preceptors do? What expertise do they need to have? Should you be a preceptor? Find out in this introductory module from the University of Minnesota School of Nursing. It takes about 20-30 minutes to complete. 

• “Preceptors play an essential role in helping students bridge the gap from classroom learning to clinical practice. I will forever be grateful for how my preceptors provided reassurance, education, and their patience. Being an alumnus from St. Scholastica, I am looking forward to being a preceptor and helping provide education and support to NP students. I will always be in debt to my good preceptors who helped shape my learning experience at St. Scholastica. Thanks!” ~ Peter Wahl class of 2020

• “My preceptor took time to not only to work on exams and charting, but also prioritized opportunities to guide me in having sensitive conversations with complex patients and their families about difficult topics. Thank you!” ~ Jenny Rose, class of 2021

• “During my clinical rotations, my preceptors were the greatest teachers, at times, the strongest shoulder to lean on. Their unwavering confidence in me when I didn't have confidence in myself. Many times a simple hand on the shoulder saying, "you're doing great, you're a great nurse practitioner,  your patients are lucky to have you," and that meant a lot to me. Thank you for the great preceptors, thank you for the great teaching times, and thank you to The College of Saint Scholastica for allowing us to enhance our knowledge with all these great experiences.” ~ Brany Ortiz Camacho, class of 2020

• “I really appreciated all of my preceptors who accepted and trained me without being judgemental. One of my preceptors made me buy a one-dollar notebook from the get-go where I wrote differentials that I encountered in clinical and the treatments applied according to the current guidelines. I learned so much from this preceptor that I filled two one-dollar notebooks with pearls that I will utilize in my practice. I really truly learned a lot from all my preceptors who guided me to think through my differentials and assessments, and I feel motivated to become a preceptor and help students in the future.” ~ Concepter Gekonge, class of 2021

• "My preceptors were an intricate part of my transition to patient care and knowledge base. They were my educators, supporters, resources, colleagues, and friends. They each helped me develop skills and confidence in their own ways which was invaluable." ~ Abbey Bailiff, class of 2020

• “The preceptorial roles highlight the basis of practicing what has been taught in the classroom. I found the fulfilment of the backdrop in my preceptors. My preceptors helped to enhance my confidence. Through their tutelage, I was able to practice what was taught in class and what I read from the text.  They gave me the opportunity to come to terms with the role of a psychiatric nurse practitioner. The teaching roles of my preceptors were instrumental to my readiness to practice upon passing my board. I cannot but say that my preceptors are purely an integral part of my success in the program.” ~ John Nwabugwu, class of 2020

“I precept to stay fresh in my knowledge and to give back to a profession that I love!  This goes for both nurse practitioners and physician assistants.  I think Advanced Practice Providers are the future and this is my way of giving back to these new providers!”

Sarah Karl (Wysoski), PA-C, Essentia Health, Internal Medicine, Duluth, MN

“I precept as a way to give back to the college and community, using my years of experience as a nurse practitioner to help prepare new family practice clinicians. I enjoy watching each student grow into skilled clinicians during their time with me.”

Ellen Stephan, APRN, FNP-C,  Essentia Health Family Practice, Duluth,MN

 “I enjoy precepting for the value it brings to myself, my preceptees and APP practice. We all have benefited from the grace of our preceptors as we completed our degrees.  Precepting new APPs shows my deep appreciation for my preceptors, to our practice as APPs, and hopefully will instill the value of precepting to the next generation.”

Sherry Fuller, APRN, CNP Essentia Health, Inpatient Supportive and Palliative Care

"I precept for many reasons:

• Primarily because I know how important the clinical experience is to the development of future APRNs who as a result will give good care to their patients.

• I enjoy sharing my knowledge and experience with students, just as someone in the past made the effort to help me.  

• I also benefit from the experience as each student brings a unique set of experiences and knowledge that one can learn from.

• While many may feel that precepting is too stressful or time-consuming in an already busy practice, the reward of seeing the development of students is well worth the effort and time. They may be taking care of your loved ones!"

Dr. Mark Witta, Saint Luke’s Community Care Team 

The attitude that you display as you are orienting a student is critical in helping him/her adjust to the unit and his/her new role. The best learning environment is one that will allow the student to grow without feeling intimidated or frightened. The best environment is one in which you display: 

• positive attitude 

• calm manner 

• flexibility 

• patience 

• sense of humor 

• respect 

• caring 

• honesty 

1. How much time is involved?

Can be as little as 40 hours to as much as 180 hours each semester. It’s fine to precept one semester and take the next semester off or only precept one student once a year.

2. I don’t know enough to teach!

You know more than you think you do! These are graduate-level DNP students learning to be providers. We require one year of experience as a healthcare provider before agreeing to precept.

3. Are there resources to help me be a better preceptor?

Yes! We have readings and videos on best practices, how to give feedback, how adults learn and even a self-paced online course.

4. Will the student have any clinical experience?

All students are RNs first. Some of our students will be in their first clinical rotation: these students will need basic help with organizing a SOAP note and conducting a PE. Others may be in their last clinical rotation before they graduate: these students will be able to see ~8 patients daily independently/with little direction

5. What if I have a problem with the student?

You will have faculty available for any questions or concerns.

6. Can I share the student with a colleague?

The more experience a student is able to receive the better. It’s common for a student to be able to observe or help a different provider, in a given clinical setting, with an unusual patient presentation.

7. Is the student able to see patients alone?

Usually, by the end of the student’s first clinical rotation, they will be able to see a patient alone for the initial Hx and PE.

8. Are we reimbursed? What are the benefits for me?

At this time preceptors are not financially reimbursed. Precepting does count towards your national certification, though. We learn from our students, and they often bring a fresh perspective to our daily routine. You are giving back to the nurse practitioner profession. Take pride in helping to educate our next generation of providers. 

Bonus: if the student is a good fit at your organization, this will be an easy pathway towards fulfilling your future provider needs.