PRECEPTOR QUICK GUIDE

Thank you for becoming a preceptor for our online grad nursing students at Cleveland State University. The success of our program depends on the dedication of healthcare professionals such as yourself who are interested in contributing to our students’ educational process.  

This guide provides baseline information about clinical placement. There are also frequently asked questions to help answer any questions you may have. However, please feel free to reach out to your student’s CSU Faculty Advisor.

PRECEPTOR AND STUDENT EXPECTATIONS 

PRECEPTOR ROLE 

A preceptor is an experienced healthcare professional who agrees to train students in the field using a variety of skills and education tools. They serve as role models, showing professional behavior, appropriate actions, and exemplary professional practice standards.  

The preceptor is the student’s primary learning resource and the agency’s representative to CSU’s graduate nursing education degree program. 

As a preceptor, you will engage in multiple roles, such as: 

• Teacher 
• Coach 
• Leader/Influencer 
• Facilitator/Socialization agent 
• Evaluator 
• Protector 
• Role Model 

PRECEPTOR RESPONSIBILITIES 

As a Preceptor, you will also have several responsibilities: 

• Provide support and encouragement to the student 
• Provide a variety of learning experiences within the nursing practice setting 
• Educate/inform the student about policies, procedures, and guidelines 
• Expect and communicate with the student to work on days/times according to your schedule throughout the rotation together 
• Notify the student of any changes in the schedule 
• Support the student in their learning of skills and professional behaviors 
• Maintain or co-sign the time log to document the student’s precepted hours 
• Report any issues, concerns, adverse events or unfavorable outcomes to the appropriate contact at CSU in a timely manner 
• Notify the faculty if the student is not meeting course or clinical objectives 
• Complete evaluations as requested 

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Students also have responsibilities to ensure a successful clinical experience:

• Arrive on time and take breaks at an appropriate time. 
• Review personal goals for the clinical experience with the Preceptor, and revise if needed. 
• Determine an appropriate work schedule and complete clinical dates as scheduled (dates and hours selected must not conflict with classes). 
• Demonstrate an attitude of cooperation and willingness to learn. 
• Establish rapport with patients and families. 
• Work as a team member. 
• Demonstrate effective professional communication with patients, staff members, and the Preceptor. 
• Follow all site regulations and guidelines for practice. 
• Immediately report any adverse events or outcomes to the Preceptor. 
• Seek new learning experiences and request help when needed. 
• Accept guidance and suggestions with a positive attitude. 
• Improve in skills, knowledge, and understanding of the nursing role. 
• Notify the instructor, faculty, and Preceptor of emergency changes in schedule. 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION BEFORE THE FIRST DAY 

It is important to cover the following items with the student prior to the start of clinical placement or during your first meeting: 

• Shift schedule 
• Required dress code based on student handbook and site policy 
• Parking policy 
• ID badge 
• Computer access/training 
• Expectations regarding timeliness, professionalism, preparedness, etc. 
• Absence policy and expectations 
• Current skill level and position in course progression 
• Objectives and goals provided by faculty to guide the student’s experience) 

CLINICAL PLACEMENT HOSPITAL/ FACILITY ROTATION PREPARATION

ORIENTATION PROCESS 

Each organization may differ regarding the orientation process for grad nursing students. Please coordinate with the faculty and agency to ensure proper student orientation. On the first day of the placement experience, students need to be oriented by the Preceptors to the important site areas.  

NECESSARY DOCUMENTATION 

All documentation needed for Preceptors will be handled by either the site or administration office at Cleveland State University. We recommend Preceptors check their email frequently to ensure further documentation or information is not needed. 

SETTING EXPECTATIONS, GOALS AND OBJECTIVES 

Course and rotation objectives will be provided by faculty and should guide the student’s experience. 

At the beginning of the clinical experience, the student and Preceptors should sit down and discuss the objectives. The Preceptors should also inquire about other goals or objectives the student has for their clinical experience. This information helps the Preceptor plan and provide learning opportunities and student-specific instruction. 

Preceptors should also be aware of students’ current skills and knowledge base as it pertains to the healthcare setting. Using the program plan of study and previous objectives, Preceptors can gain an understanding of the skills and experiences the students are already equipped with. 

FORMATIVE EVALUATION PROCESS 

A crucial role of the Preceptor is being an evaluator. On the first day of the clinical experience, explain to the students that feedback will be provided often throughout the precepted period.  

Clinical evaluations will be managed through Exxat. Additional information on how to access and navigate Exxat will be provided to you.