What is the role of the preceptor?
A preceptor serves as a mentor and teacher, offering suitable learning opportunities to help students successfully achieve program competencies, clinical skills, and course learning outcomes.
Why should I precept?
Your role as a preceptor is crucial in educating future colleagues and preparing them for practice through real-time clinical experiences. Working with students is a way to contribute to and shape the next generation of nursing professionals. Serving as a preceptor not only offers a learning opportunity for students but also an endeavor that inspires your growth and development as a provider and leader. Your contribution as a preceptor is invaluable in shaping the future of nursing and we would love for you to be part of the journey.
What are the requirements to become a preceptor?
Preceptors can be advanced practice providers (NPs, CNSs, CNMs, or PAs), physicians (MDs or DOs), or other healthcare professionals (psychologists or licensed clinical social workers [LCSW]) and must have:
- Active, unencumbered state licensure in your specialty area of practice
- At least one (1) year of relevant clinical experience
- National board certification (if applicable)
- Doctoral degrees are preferred, but not required
- A current CV/Resume on file with PLNU SON approval
What is the time commitment for preceptors?
Time commitment will vary by program and student. Students are expected to attend clinicals consistently throughout the semester.
In general:
- Most FNP clinical courses consist of 150 hours over a 16-week semester.
- CNS, Healthcare Leadership, and Nursing Education clinical courses range from 80-120 clinical hours over a 16-week semester.
As a preceptor, do I have a contact person at PLNU’s School of Nursing?
Yes, you may contact the clinical supervising faculty assigned to each student, which will be provided to you at the beginning of each semester. This faculty will engage in ongoing communication with you throughout the semester to address any questions or concerns.
As a preceptor, will I be expected to evaluate or grade students?
You will be asked to evaluate your student's progress at midterm and the end of the semester. The midterm evaluation is formative and meant to provide opportunities for growth, while the final evaluation is intended to summarize the student’s overall performance and growth. Your evaluation will provide valuable guidance to the clinical faculty, who will be responsible for grading their students.
Will I be paid for being a preceptor?
PLNU preceptors are not directly reimbursed, but there are many benefits to being part of the PLNU preceptor community, such as:
- Giving back by sharing your expertise
- Shaping the next generation of nurse leaders
- Enhancing your practice and professional growth
- Discovering or renewing your passion for teaching and mentoring
- Fulfilling recertification or re-licensure requirements