Nursing Preceptor

A preceptor is an individual that teaches, guides, and assist another who is learning a role. Typically experienced RNs who are enthusiastic about the nursing profession and have a desire to teach. The preceptor should have a BSN degree at minimum and a preceptor should have the following characteristics: Effective interpersonal and communication skills, Teaching skills, Sensitivity to the learning needs of student nurses, Leadership skills, Decision-making and problem-solving skills, Positive professional attitude and the ability to provide feedback effectively.
Issues as illustrated
Amy and the assigned preceptor are not working together and Amy is now working with other registered nurses in the emergency room. The preceptor is not taking to, directing or precepting Amy, even though earlier everything was “ok”. Confronting the preceptor in private and finding out what happened and why they are not working together is the first place to begin. Did they not get along, was there something that happened, were they incompatible, what was the issue that caused them to stop working to together?
Qualificaitons of the preceptor
The program should have guidelines developed for the preceptors and for the students. The preceptor should be familiar with the clinical objectives for the student at the students’ level of education. The preceptor may supervise student clinical learning experiences without the physical presence of the faculty member in the affiliating agency or in the clinical practice setting. However, nursing faculty shall be readily available to students and clinical preceptors during the clinical learning