Purpose

This Preceptor Handbook is designed to provide both the preceptor and the student with an understanding of the roles and responsibilities in this collaborative effort. It includes information about the Graduate Nursing Program, role expectations, and tips for you as a preceptor. 

As a preceptor, you play a key role in not only direct supervision to ensure competent, safe completion of specific skills, but also in guiding the graduate nurse's development within the clinical learning environment to promote self-awareness and critical thinking.

Your support and guidance can prove beneficial for both the graduate student and clinical site and contributes to the next generation of advanced practice nurses and nurse leaders. The Nursing faculty are readily available to graduate students and their preceptors for consultation and assistance. Again, thank you for your support. If you require any further information, please feel free to contact us.

Preceptor Criteria

Preceptors may be registered nurses, clinical nurse specialists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and physicians.  All preceptors are considered to be experts in their area of practice, with a minimum of 2 years of practice experience, teaching skills and willingness to precept students at various stages of learning. Preceptors must be currently licensed to practice and preceptors for nurse practitioner students must be certified in their practice specialty. Preceptors must have a minimum Master’s degree in the appropriate specialty.

Each preceptor must submit a current resume which is required to be on file for program accreditation purposes.

Preceptor Benefits

Preceptors may apply for status as a Clinical Affiliate Faculty member.  To apply, contact the Assistant to the Dean. 

At minimum, individuals who apply for Clinical Affiliate Faculty status will be considered if they are aligned with the SPU mission and have consistently contributed to the education of SPU Graduate Nursing students in ways such as:

• Precepting a minimum of one quarter per year
• Providing tutoring/mentoring for specific students
• Acting as a guest lecturer/lab faculty
• Writing case studies/unfolding cases

Benefits to affiliate faculty members may include:

• Invitation to School of Health Sciences events
• Access to SPU Library. (on-site and remote)
• Discounts for athletic and fine arts events on campus may also be available