PRECEPTOR AND STUDENT EXPECTATIONS

Preceptor Role

A preceptor is an experienced nurse with the desire to give back to the next generation and agrees to provide students a positive learning environment using a variety of skills and educational opportunities. Preceptors serve as role models, showing professional behavior, demonstrating practice knowledge and expertise with ethics, laws and exposure to a variety of different practice areas.

As a preceptor you will be asked to provide constructive feedback to help your student maintain a safe learning environment and determine appropriate tasks/assignments for the student. Preceptors collaborate and communicate with the students and faculty at Rockhurst to ensure the 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
• Practice Expert

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 nursing practice setting
• Educate/inform the student about policies, procedures, and guidelines
• Expect and communicate with the student to work on days/times according to your schedule throughout the rotation together
• 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 issues, concerns, adverse events or unfavorable outcomes to the appropriate contact at Rockhurst in a timely manner
• Notify the faculty if the student is not meeting objectives
• Complete evaluations as requested

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 experiential schedule and complete times and dates as scheduled
• Dates and hours selected must not conflict with classes
• Once scheduled for a rotation, make your rotation a priority and avoid other conflicts
• Demonstrate an attitude of cooperation and willingness to learn
• Establish rapport with patients and families when appropriate
• Work as a team member
• Demonstrate effective communication with patients, staff members, and the preceptor
• Follow all hospital/facility regulations and guidelines for practice
• Immediately report any adverse events, issues or unfavorable outcomes to preceptor and faculty, depending on the issue
• Seek new learning experiences and request help when needed
• Accept guidance and suggestions with a positive attitude
• Improve your skills, knowledge, and understanding of the nursing/PMHNP role
• Notify the 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 his/her rotation or during your first meeting:

• Shift schedule
• Required dress code based on the student handbook and hospital/facility policy
• Parking policy
• ID badge
• Computer access/training
• Expectations regarding timeliness, professionalism, preparedness, etc.
• Absence policy and expectations
• Current skill level and position in course progression
• Objectives and goals (provided by the faculty to guide the student’s experience)
• Share desired main form of communication (email, text, phone, etc.)

Hospital/Facility Rotation Preparation

Orientation Process

Each clinical setting may differ regardless of the orientation process for students. Please coordinate with the faculty and workplace facility to ensure proper student orientation. On the first day of the rotation, students need to be oriented by the preceptor to the important facility areas.

Necessary Documentation
All documentation needed for preceptors will be handled by either the facility or the administration office at Rockhurst University Saint Luke’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences. We recommend preceptors check their email frequently to ensure further documentation or information is not needed.

Setting Expectations, Goals, and Objectives

Course and core rotation objectives will be provided by the faculty and should guide the student’s experience. For unique practice sites, additional learning objectives may be added to the learning experience.

At the beginning of the rotation, the student and preceptor should sit down and discuss objectives. The preceptor should also inquire about other goals or objectives the student has for their rotations. This information helps the preceptor plan the 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 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 rotation, explain to the student that feedback will be provided often throughout the precepted period. Providing feedback to students is necessary for their learning and growth.

Preceptor FAQs