Professional Growth | Knowledge Sharing | Giving Back

Welcome to Holy Family, a ministry of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth!

Preceptors have a profound impact on a student’s education journey and their career development. Dedicated health care practitioners like you who contribute to our students' educational process are critical to the success of our program.

We strive for patient- and family-centered care and want preceptors to assist our students in developing lifelong responsibilities toward God, society, and self.

I appreciate your dedication to training our future registered nurses!

Thank you for your support and dedication as a preceptor at Holy Family University!

Sincerely,
Rinu Stephen (DNP, MSN, RN)
Program Coordinator, Second Degree Distance BSN Program
rscariah@holyfamily.edu

Expectations of the Preceptor

• Serve to bridge the gap between theory and practice.
• Assist the student to become oriented with the health care facility, as well as organizational policies and procedures.
• Serve as a role model for the student by demonstrating appropriate behavior and providing timely and appropriate feedback.
• Create and maintain an open and safe learning environment.
• Determine appropriate assignments or tasks for the preceptee.
• Facilitate and evaluate learning for the preceptee.
• Collaborate with the preceptee and Clinical Faculty to ensure expectations are being met.

As a preceptor, you play multiple roles, such as:

• Teacher
• Coach
• Leader/Influencer
• Facilitator/Socialization agent
• Evaluator
• Protector
• Role Model

Expectations of the Student

• 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 work schedule and complete precepted dates as scheduled. Dates & hours selected must not conflict with classes or other clinicals
• Follow guidelines as outlined in the Professional Appearance Policy in the BSN Student Handbook
• Demonstrate an attitude of cooperation and willingness to learn
• Establish rapport with clients & families
• Work as a team member
• Demonstrate effective communication with clients, staff members, and the Preceptor
• Follow all hospital regulations and guidelines for practice
• Immediately report any adverse events or outcomes (to Preceptor, Unit manager, & Clinical Faculty or Clinical Coordinator, depending on the issue)
• Seek new learning experiences, and request help when needed
• Accept guidance and suggestions with a positive attitude
• Improve in skills, knowledge, and understanding of the professional nurse role
• Notify the Clinical Faculty and Preceptor of emergency changes in schedule
• Follow all guidelines for clinical compliance, HIPAA and behavior as outlined in the BSN Student Handbook
• Enter clinical hours in the log book in a timely manner

Attendance at Precepted Experiences

Students are responsible for informing preceptors of any unavoidable absence or arrival delay from the agreed-upon precepted learning experience schedule. Either clinical or systems placements may be subject to cancellation due to one or more "no shows" or repeated tardiness. Students are responsible for contacting the Clinical Coordinator to reschedule missed hours. All required hours must be completed within the designated course timeframe requirement.

Important Information Before the First Day

It is important to cover the following items with the student prior to the start of clinicals, or during your first clinical meeting:

• Clinical shift schedule
• Required dress code based on BSN Student Handbook and facility policy.
• Parking policy
• ID badge
• Computer access/training
• Expectations regarding timeliness, professionalism, preparedness, etc.
• Clinical absence policy and expectations
• Current skill level and position in course progression
• Clinical objectives and goals. (Course and clinical objectives will be provided by Clinical Faculty to guide the students' clinical experience.)

Clinical Preparation

Each hospital organization may differ regarding the orientation process for nursing students. Please coordinate with Clinical Faculty and agency to ensure proper student orientation. On the first day of the rotation, students need to be oriented by the preceptor to the important hospital areas and the nursing unit. Pertinent unit procedures regarding PPE and COVID-19 guidelines should be reviewed before the student engages in patient care.

Necessary documentation

All documentation needed for preceptors will be handled by either the hospital agency or the nursing administration office at Holy Family University. We recommend preceptors check their email frequently to ensure that further documentation or information is not needed.

Setting expectations, goals, and objectives

Course and clinical objectives will be provided by Clinical Faculty and should guide the student’s clinical experience.

At the beginning of the clinical experience, the student and preceptor should sit down and discuss the clinical objectives. The preceptor should also inquire about other goals or objectives the student has for their clinical experience. This information helps the preceptor plan the clinical 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 clinical objectives, the preceptor can gain an understanding of the skills and experiences the students are already equipped with.

Evaluation Process

Formative Evaluation

A crucial role of the preceptor is being an evaluator. Providing feedback to students is necessary for their learning and growth. As a preceptor, on the first day of the clinical experience, prepare the students that feedback will be provided often throughout the precepted experience.