What is a nurse preceptor?
The definition of a nurse preceptor is an experienced nurse assigned to guide and mentor nursing students, new nurses, or nursing staff transferring from one unit to another.
What Is Precepting?
Precepting comes from the noun "precept," which is another word for rule, commandment, or principle.
A preceptor is someone who is responsible for maintaining or enforcing a precept. As such, precepting refers to the actual process.
What Is a Preceptor in Nursing?
In nursing, precepting is a systematic activity where experienced nurses (preceptors) assist their less experienced colleagues or nursing students in making the shift from theoretical knowledge to clinical nursing practice.
Think of a nursing preceptor as a seasoned coach who helps new nurses acclimate to the realities of nursing. If you are thinking about precepting, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the responsibilities, aptitudes, and background needed for this role.
Preceptors in some facilities may also be tasked with onboarding PRN (as needed) staff for a shift or half a shift.
This mentorship involves key elements, such as:
- New nurse orientation
- Skill development
- Feedback and evaluation
- Positive role modeling
- Consistent support and encouragement
Precepting's ultimate objective is to make sure new nurses develop into competent, confident professionals ready to deliver quality patient care.
How Long Are Preceptorships?
A preceptorship for new nurses will usually last through the nurse’s orientation period, a minimum of six weeks. For high-acuity or fast-paced settings such as the intensive care unit (ICU) or emergency department (ED), it could be as long as five months.
For nurse practitioners (NPs), preceptor hours must align with the program’s requirements. NP programs have strict clinical hour requirements—often requiring over 500 supervised hours—for their students.
What Is the Role of a Nurse Preceptor?
Nurse preceptors are generally RNs with many years of experience. A nurse preceptor has several roles and responsibilities. The specifics of these roles vary somewhat depending on the framework or source.
Referring to the published work of Susan A. Boyer, MEd, RN, in the Journal for Nurses in Staff Development, the role of a nurse preceptor is five-fold:
- To educate
- To protect
- To evaluate
- To socialize
- To role model
1. A Nurse Preceptor Is an Educator
In the clinical educator role, the preceptor is responsible for the following:
- Assessing what needs to be learned and how
- Planning and tailoring activities for learning
- Guiding the development of critical-thinking skills and capabilities
2. A Nurse Preceptor Is a Protector
This is perhaps the most essential role of a nurse preceptor because it allows learning and development without compromising the safety of patients or the new nurse. As a protector, a nurse preceptor is responsible for the following:
- Providing an environment safe for learning for both patients and the new nurse
- Protecting patients from errors
- Protecting new nurses from harmful errors
- Advocating for new nurses
3. A Nurse Preceptor Is an Evaluator
In the evaluator role, a nurse preceptor is responsible for the following:
- Evaluating adherence to standards of practice
- Identifying concerns with capability, competency, or delegation
- Validating the professional development and competent nursing practice
4. A Nurse Preceptor Is a Socializer
The socializer role of a nurse preceptor focuses on supporting the more emotional/social aspects of the transition period for a new nurse. This includes the following:
- Introducing the new nurse to coworkers, managers, team members
- Supporting the new nurse's integration into the unit
- Developing professional ethics, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal skills
- Resolving conflict
- Teambuilding
5. A Nurse Preceptor Is a Role Model
The very nature of the relationship between a nurse preceptor and a new nurse establishes a hierarchy, which places responsibility on the preceptor to set a good example. Being a role model as a nurse preceptor includes:
- Following policy and standards of practice
- Demonstrating professional behavior and critical thinking skills
- Listening and providing constructive feedback
What are the Characteristics of a Good Preceptor Nurse?
Deciding to become a nurse preceptor calls for introspection of your personal qualities. In other words, not every nurse will find that this position is a good fit for them. Still, a nurse preceptor could be a good fit for you if you possess the following attributes:
- Patience: It takes time to mentor a new nurse; progress may be slower than anticipated. An excellent nurse preceptor will display patience, tolerance, and compassion while a new nurse learns new skills on the job.
- Great communication skills: Whether it is sharing simple observations or explaining complex medical processes, preceptors must be able to convey their message effectively and appropriately when mentoring new nurses.
- Empathy: Nurse preceptors will understand the emotional obstacles new nurses encounter. Empathy allows preceptors to help mentees navigate stress and self-doubt in clinical environments.
- Leadership: A nurse preceptor is a leader by example. A nurse preceptor should encourage honesty, teamwork, and responsibility—qualities that define leadership.
- Flexibility and adaptability: All nurses learn in different ways. A good preceptor will adjust their approach to teaching according to the different learning styles of each nurse.
All these qualities, defined above, help create a positive learning environment in which newly hired nurses may develop professionally and improve personally.
How Can You Become a Nurse Preceptor?
A nurse preceptor will possess a strong foundational nursing background and at least one year (or several years) of clinical experience. If you’re interested in precepting, talk to your facility manager.
Many nursing programs and healthcare settings have specific requirements for nursing preceptors.
Some healthcare organizations may offer formal preceptorship programs that will clearly outline the responsibilities and expectations for preceptors.
Nurse Practitioner Preceptors
The role of an NP preceptor is similar to that of a nurse preceptor, as outlined by the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties:
- Communication: NP preceptors should be available when their students are on site and discuss challenges, problems with student and/or faculty.
- Patient Encounters: NP preceptors should arrange for their students to have variety and should provide feedback to students on decision-making and accuracy.
- Evaluation: NP preceptors should provide evaluations in line with program and student objectives and meet with students and faculty a minimum of two times during preceptorship to formally discuss performance.
How Can You Become a Nurse Practitioner Preceptor?
Finding an NP preceptor is actually a significant challenge for many NP students. There is a shortage of NP preceptors. So, if you are interested in precepting, reach out to the NP program near you.
Generally, the requirements to be an NP preceptor include the following:
- Have a formal practice
- Have one of the following active licenses:some text
- Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)
- Medical doctor (MD)
- Doctor of Osteopathy (DO)
- Physician
- Nurse Practitioner (NP)
- Physician Assistant (PA)
- Have at least one year of clinical experience
- Maintain current unencumbered license
- Have board certification in the practice specialization of the NP student
Overcoming Obstacles Faced by Nurse Preceptors
Being a nurse preceptor can be both rewarding and challenging. Several fixes for overcoming these obstacles could include the following:
- Time management: Nurse preceptors are encouraged to keep track of their clinical duties and allocate enough time for teaching. Good time management and a good sense of priority are essential.
- Continuous learning: Practices and procedures can change as a healthcare facility grows and adapts. Preceptors must remain current with these developments to provide appropriate, evidence-based direction.
- Monitor fatigue: Mentoring can wear one out emotionally and psychologically. Preceptors should seek help from supervisors or coworkers, assign chores when needed, and take time for self-care.
- AI integration: AI is transforming every walk of life, including those who work in healthcare. AI can be used as a supplemental form of learning during nurse training.
Thank a Nurse Preceptor with a Gift
Thank a nurse preceptor with a gift, or a thank you note to show your gratitude.
Here are a few simple ways to show appreciation to a nurse preceptor:
- Personalized gifts: Coffee mugs, badge holders, or an engraved stethoscope are potential ideas for a personalized gift for a nurse preceptor.
- Gratitude note cards: A thank you card that is personalized and well-written can make all the difference. Write a simple and sincere message thanking a nurse preceptor in your life for their invaluable service.
- Recognition events: Publicly honoring your preceptor will not only show appreciation for their hard work but also integrate a feeling of community and support amongst the nursing team.
These gestures help to recognize the significant part preceptors play in forming the next generation of nurses.
Nurse Preceptors: Leading by Mentoring
Nurse preceptors assist new staff nurses or new nurses in transitioning from theoretical knowledge to direct clinical practice. Nurse preceptors are a guiding light for new nurses and leaders in their various healthcare settings.
Nurse preceptors help nurses succeed, learn, and grow in their profession, making healthcare a supportive and nurturing environment for both staff and patients.
Want to learn more about becoming a leader or mentor to other nurses? This nursing guide will help you get started on your mission.
Sources:
