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The Preceptor's /Facilitator's Role
The preceptor/facilitator can make all the difference for CNL students. It is a role that can be very rewarding.
Zwerneman & Flanders (2006) have noted,
"A great preceptor can be the first and most important role model in a nurse's professional life.
And a great preceptor can help launch many successful nursing careers."
The preceptor's/facilitator's role will vary per clinical setting, but will always play the part of a trainer or teacher for the CNL graduate student. The unique role of the preceptor requires someone in the clinical setting that is experienced and knowledgeable about the organization, the patients and the staff, as well as, evidence-based and cost effective practices. Preceptors are chosen for their education, experience, area of expertise and their instructional abilities.
The preceptor and the CNL will have a positive relationship that best fits the needs of the student and the organization. During the immersion experience, the preceptor will have the opportunity to assist the CNL student as s/he integrates online lessons with practical learning opportunities. Preceptors will serve as a resource, role model and supervisor of the immersion experience. The CNL will ask the preceptor to validate clinical hours worked by the student. It is also very important that the preceptor offer feedback to the student on a continuous basis to ensure accomplishment of skills, personal objectives and growth as a nurse leader.
Expectations
of the
Highly Effective Preceptor / Facilitator
Knowledge and Clinical Competence
the breadth of competencies of an exemplary clinician in the provision of nursing care to groups of patients.
a comprehensive understanding of patient situations and the ability to access appropriate resources to obtain additional theoretical or technical information as needed.
knowledge of appropriate treatment modalities including pharmacological management.
recognition of the importance of the CNL as the lateral integrator of care which involves improved communication, decreased fragmentation, and the facilitation and coordination of care.
knowledge of agency standards, professional issues and health care policy which enables the CNL to facilitate decisions about patients that are timely and appropriate.
ability to facilitate learning aimed at assuring quality patient care.
Through role modeling, coaching and demonstration, highly effective preceptors foster the learning of CNL students.
Clinical Decisions & Delegation
formulate critical clinical decisions about the care of patients as a result of their knowledge and clinical competence
ask pertinent questions
effectively complete assessments
use critical thinking to ascertain patient priorities
differentiate the role of the CNL, the four advanced practice nursing roles, and the nurse manager role
support CNL students as they integrate information essential to prioritizing, providing care and delegating tasks to maximize patient outcomes
Communication
possess exceptional communication skills as demonstrated through respectful demeanor and clarity when talking with patients, students, and other members of the health care team.
garner respect from others as they recommend patient assignments and oversee care provided to groups of patients.
bring to all clinical situations the necessary skills for reporting and documenting patient care and assisting CNL students in thorough follow-through with this responsibility.
effectively elicit critical questions from students as they develop sound clinical judgment.
Professional Demeanor
purposeful behavior and a positive approach.
display of self confidence in the organized and deliberate manner in which they implement their preceptor role.
appearance and language illustrate high level professional behavior.
In addition to the above professional behaviors, the CNL preceptor will have specific role responsibilities which are distinct from, but supportive to the role of the academic/course faculty. The following explanations delineate the responsibilities for the preceptor and faculty assisting the CNL students in mastering their new role.
Preceptor Responsibilities
The preceptor should be able to guide the student toward clinical practicum experiences that will assist attainment of learning goals and enable the student to reach optimum effectiveness in practice. Specific responsibilities for the preceptor include:
Mentoring
Designing learning experiences aimed at assisting students to reach learning goals
Locating or creating learning resources within the clinical site that will help students achieve the end of program competencies
Facilitating students access to the above resources
Evaluating the students based on an evaluation tool provided by the college/university faculty and in consultation with the faculty member
Preceptors need not be in a position that utilizes all the aspects of CNL practice; however, they should be in a position to facilitate the student's ability to learn and practice in the CNL role. The preceptor should be knowledgeable about the health care system in which s/he operates and be able to arrange appropriate experiences for the student. For example, the preceptor should be able to arrange for the student to work with information technology system personnel to learn about clinical data collection and management - and should have the support of nursing and other administrative personnel to do this.
The preceptor may be unit based or function in a non-unit based capacity that includes regular contact with unit patients and personnel. Appropriate preceptors may include:
unit based nurse managers
nursing department heads
nursing education department personnel assigned to the unit where the students are based
advanced practice nurses
Reminders for the Preceptor/Facilitator
Provide evaluative feedback orally to the student throughout the clinical immersion experience and to provide formal evaluation conferences using the approved checklist at the midpoint and end of the clinical immersion experience.
Notify the course faculty immediately of any problems noted regarding the student's progress in the clinical setting.
At the end of the CNL student's immersion experience, complete the Preceptor Evaluation, discuss the evaluation with the CNL graduate student and return to the faculty advisor from The University of Alabama, Capstone College of Nursing.
Contact information for CNL Faculty Advisor can be found on the following page.
AACN Implementation TF CNL Preceptor Guidelines, April 2006