Our Perspectives of Preceptorship

Preceptorship is a rewarding experience for those who choose to precept. Read some of the characteristics that describe perspectives as described by experts in our field.

Preceptorship

"... a one-to-one relationship between an experienced practitioner or role model and a student or novice" (Goldenberg, 1987; McGrath & Koewing, 1978).

The major role of a preceptor is that of clinical teacher (Sloand, et al., 1998).

Preceptorship is a form of mentoring those with less experience, so they can continue to provide high quality care in our profession. Read what mentoring means.

Mentoring

"Mentoring is a dynamic, noncompetitive, nurturing relationship in which an older, more experienced person teaches, guides, advises, sponsors, role models, and befriends a younger, less experienced person." The overall goal of mentoring is to promote the protege's personal and professional development (Cuesta & Bloom, 1998).

As nursing preceptors, we mentor others to help carry on our profession. As a profession and as a preceptor, we have the following goals to promote a positive clinical experience through the University of Minnesota School of Nursing.

Goals of clinical education

  • Translate theory into practice
  • Foster problem solving and decision making skills
  • Collaborate with others
  • Develop legal/ethical morals (Massarweh, 1999)

To help us carry out our goals for our students, we hope you as a preceptor will help us with the following responsibilities.

Preceptor responsibilities

  • Clinical instruction
  • Clinical supervision
  • Evaluation of student progress
  • Communication with faculty and student

You may gain benefits by joining us to provide a strong clinical experience for our students. A few are listed here. We know you will think of others as well.

Benefits

  • Satisfaction in sharing knowledge
  • Status/recognition
  • Input into program and curriculum
  • May gain new employee
  • Renewal and enrichment
  • Professional role development
  • Access to library, Internet

References

  • Cuesta, C., & Bloom, K. (1998). Education exchange Mentoring and job satisfaction: perceptions of certified nurse-midwives. Journal of Nurse-Midwifery, 43(2), 111-6.
  • Goldenberg (1987).
  • Massarweh LJ. (1999). Promoting a positive clinical experience. Nurse Educator, 24(3), 44-7.
  • McGrath & Koewing (1978).
  • Sloand, E. D., Feroli K., Bearss N., & Beecher J. (1998). What's happening. Preparing the next generation: Precepting nurse practitioner students. Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, 10(2), 65-69.