Who is a preceptor?
An experienced practitioner who provides transitional role support and learning experiences to new staff. A preceptor serves as a role model who leads by example in addition to being a socializer, educator and coach, competency evaluator/validator, and protector.
Being a successful preceptor can be quite the challenge. Not only are you teaching your orientee ALL THE THINGS but also teaching yourself the invaluable role of a preceptor, communication techniques, theories of learning, and so much more! In addition, you are not only showing them the “ropes” of their new job but also providing them with the tools to use that rope safely and efficiently!
As a role model, you are leading by example by adhering to the standards of your facility. You model professional behavior, resolve conflict, provide constructive feedback, and engage in active listening. Remember that your orientee is always watching you!
As an educator and coach, you assess your orientee’s learning needs and style. This helps you to plan appropriate learning activities and determine how much support and guidance/independence your orientee needs. By providing as many opportunities and experiences as possible for learning, this will help to develop their critical thinking and time management skills.
As a socializer, you help your preceptee settle and integrate into their new role in order to become a part of the team. You are introducing them to the culture and environment of the unit.
As a competency evaluator/validator, you ensure competent practice and adherence to all of the organization’s policies & procedures. You work within your scope of practice and help foster delegation and competent nursing skills. Lastly, discussing any performance issues and communicating with management to work through any limitations is imperative during the orientation process.
As a protector, you protect the safety of both the patient and the orientee by eliminating errors. You provide a safe and therapeutic environment conducive to learning and support the development of skills needed to safely care for patients.
Fun Fact: On my very first day with my preceptee, it is very important for me to establish their love language and style of learning. This tells me how they best obtain information and how they like to be valued and acknowledged! There are all sorts of online tools used to determine your preceptee’s Love Language and Style of Learning, all easily obtainable through a simple Google search :)
Did you have a preceptor or preceptee that stood out to you? Either in a good way or not-so-good way? What happened/what did they do that was so noteworthy? Comment below!