The School of Nursing threw a celebratory dinner on April 28 to honor this year’s outstanding preceptors.
Preceptors are nurses who provide instruction in clinical settings and are a crucial, yet often overlooked, part of nursing education. They spend anywhere from 180 to 250 hours with a student (depending on the student’s level of study and school requirements), and they’re rarely compensated for this time and effort.
So while a dinner might seem like a small gesture, both students and preceptors consider it a meaningful experience.
After the inaugural event last year, one student said she was glad for the opportunity to connect with her preceptor and show her how grateful she was. Additionally, one of the nurses who attended said, “Sometimes as a preceptor you feel like you do nothing, but this event made me feel appreciated and valued.”
“We’re thrilled to celebrate our Boise State preceptors for the incredible role they play in shaping the next generation of nurses and nurse practitioners,” said Kelley Connor, the School of Nursing divisional dean. “Their mentorship brings learning to life and leaves a lasting mark on our students and communities.”
During this year’s event, the school announced six winners of the 2025-26 Exceptional Preceptor Award. Students nominated 35 different nurses, frequently describing outstanding mentorship, encouragement and dedication to patient care in their nomination statements.
The evening celebrated the partnership of nurses working one-on-one with Boise State students, as well as their employers who make that relationship possible. The School of Nursing upholds relationships with healthcare facilities across the Treasure Valley, and, for the graduate program, across the nation. From small clinics to large healthcare systems, each partner plays a vital role in reducing Idaho’s nursing and provider shortage by opening their doors to Boise State students.
If you or someone you know are interested in precepting with Boise State’s School of Nursing, please contact:
- Veronica McDuffee for undergraduate clinical placements
- Sarah Downey for nurse practitioner clinical placements
Recipients of the Extraordinary Preceptor Award, 2025-26
Pre-License bachelor’s program
Ashleigh Boyd; West Valley Medical Center, Float Pool
Alfredo Caroca; Saint Alphonsus, Endoscopy
Shannon Dooley; Cottonwood Creek Behavioral, Cedar Unit
Sophie Huffman; Saint Alphonsus, Neuro Surgical Trauma ICU
Graduate BS-DNP program
Judy Norris; Valley Family Healthcare Ontario
Mark Walsworth; Ironwood Family Practice