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Roles of Preceptors, Students, and Faculty in PreL Clinical Education (Policy PREL-01)

Download a Printable Version of Policy PREL-01

Effective Date

Fall 2010

Last Revision Date

4/1/2022

Responsible Party

School of Nursing Pre-Licensure program Faculty and Students, Preceptors.

Scope and Audience

All students enrolled in the School of Nursing Pre-Licensure Program.

1. Policy Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to clarify the roles of the student, faculty member, and preceptor in the clinical education of Pre-Licensure baccalaureate degree students in the School of Nursing.

2. Policy Statement

Selection of Preceptors

Preceptor selection for off-campus clinical courses is done in collaboration with outside clinical agencies with whom an affiliation agreement exists. The Clinical Coordinator or designee works with the agency representative to ensure the placement on behalf of the student. Such an agency or entity may range from a defined organization to a loosely configured or informal group. Students may not solicit preceptors on their own.

Preceptor Qualifications

When possible, precepting nurses should hold a bachelor’s or higher degree in nursing. Judgment will be used in conjunction with preceptor education and experience to determine the best preceptor match for the student experience. Ultimately, the goal is to enable student progress in achieving outcomes within course parameters. In some situations, faculty may serve as preceptors.

3. Definitions

Partner Agencies: Partner agencies/facilities/organizations (off-campus clinicals) are those with primary commitment to, and investment with students to accomplish clinical objectives. A partner agency provides a preceptor contact for ongoing oversight during clinical experiences. Partner agencies/facilities/organizations are hereafter identified in this policy as a partner agency/ies.

4. Student Responsibilities

Once a clinical placement at a contracted agency is secured, student responsibilities for preparation and implementation of their off-campus clinical experiences are:

  • Assuring that Boise State School of Nursing has received all compliance materials required for clinical placements by the deadlines and as required by the clinical facility and the School of Nursing.
  • Attending any required computer training and/or orientation required by their assigned agency.
  • Developing a workable schedule with any assigned preceptor as soon as possible and notifying the supervising faculty member prior to any work on the unit.
  • Notifying faculty and preceptor immediately of any-and-all schedule changes.
  • Arriving early enough to be prepared for the clinical day and provide safe and effective care.
  • Dressing in compliance in clinical settings (see the SON Undergraduate Dress Code policy).

5. Faculty Responsibilities

Guiding and assessing the student learning is the responsibility of the faculty. Faculty responsibilities are as follows:

  • Facilitate skills development and progress in meeting learning contract goals; discuss progress and achievement with the student on a regular basis.
  • Communicate with the preceptor and student at agreed-upon intervals to discuss progress and to receive feedback. Faculty will physically visit the student and preceptor at the clinical site at least 3 times a semester and PRN. In addition, the faculty will have regular contact with the student and/or preceptor via phone, text, or email throughout the semester.
  • Faculty or a designee will be available by phone.
  • Encourage the student in his/her development in the role and identification of the scope of practice of nursing.
  • Faculty solicits input from the preceptor for summative assessment.
  • Faculty will provide problem solving guidance and assistance.
  • Assure the student’s final assessment is complete and communicates with the student regarding performance.
  • Recording the final grade for the student, with input from the preceptor.

6. Preceptor Responsibilities

The clinical preceptor has an integral role in the student’s education as a future registered nurse. The preceptor serves as a role model, resource person and facilitator of partner agency experiences. The preceptor assists the student to find and structure appropriate and meaningful experiences that will meet the student’s learning needs and ensure the achievement of educational objectives. The preceptor creates an environment that fosters the student’s self-direction and autonomy. Progress toward objectives is regularly monitored, and constructive feedback is given throughout the student’s experience. The preceptor provides input to students and faculty throughout and at the end of the laboratory experience. The preceptor carries out the following steps:

  • Negotiate dates and times for clinical partner agency experiences with the student; be present, if needed, or act as a liaison to assist in providing student entry and/or access to experience in order to accomplish objectives.
  • Review the course and personal objectives of the student.
  • Negotiate experiences to aid the student to meet objectives.
  • Provide opportunities for the student through facilitated practice experiences.
  • Monitor skill development and progress in meeting objectives. Provide formative feedback to the student on a regular basis.
  • Contact faculty about any problems or questions with the student’s performance.
  • Provide feedback and/or recommendations to the faculty related to student’s performance. The final grade is given by the full time Nursing Faculty.
  • Meet with the student and assigned full time nursing faculty to discuss student performance and objectives met as needed, and at midterm and final evaluation.

7. Forms

N/A

Related Information

BSU: None

CHS: None

SON: None

Last Review Date

4/1/2022

Revision History

Fall 2010, 4/1/2022