ABILENE CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF NURSING
PRECEPTOR HANDBOOK
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Dear Preceptor,
Abilene Christian University Nursing Students and Faculty would like to thank you for
agreeing to serve as a preceptor. We are especially grateful for your willingness to Pay It
Forward as a clinical expert in our program. We feel sharing your clinical expertise and
the attention given to our students is invaluable in their pursuit of their nursing degree
and profession.
The benefits of serving as a preceptor are many. Certainly, the biggest reward is seeing
a novice nurse grow in the profession from your investment in them. It is especially
exciting when the student is able to see the application of theory at the bedside.
The materials found in the Preceptor Handbook will help guide you in your preceptor
role; although, specific clinical information will be provided by the clinical course
faculty. Methods of contacting the course faculty including phone numbers are also
included. Please review this information. A faculty member will contact you prior to or
shortly after the beginning of the semester regarding the preceptor agreement. A copy
of the completed preceptor agreement will be provided for your records. An orientation
to the preceptor role is required and is available.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the specific course faculty member
working with you. We look forward to a great semester!
“God does not overlook the work you do. For God is not unjust so as to forget your
work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and
is still ministering to the saints”. Hebrews 6:10
Sincerely,
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PRECEPTORSHIP POLICY STATEMENT
This statement is based on the Texas Board of Nursing (BON) Guidelines for Nurse
Education, Rule 215.
PRECEPTOR
(10) Clinical preceptor--a registered nurse who meets the requirements in §215.10(j)(6) of this
chapter (relating to Clinical Learning Experiences), who is not employed as a faculty member
by the governing entity, and who directly supervises clinical learning experiences for no more
than two (2) students. A clinical preceptor assists in the evaluation of the student during the
experiences and in acclimating the student to the role of nurse. A clinical preceptor facilitates
student learning in a manner prescribed by a signed written agreement between the governing
entity, preceptor, and affiliating agency (as applicable).
Roles and Responsibilities of Preceptor / Agency / Faculty / Student
Roles and Responsibilities are based on the Texas BON Education Guideline 3.8.3.a.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PRECEPTOR
1. Participate in a preceptor orientation.
2. Function as a role model in the clinical setting.
3. Facilitate learning activities for no more than 2 students at one time.
4. Guide, facilitate, supervise and monitor the student in achieving personal learning
and course objectives for each
experience. Supervise the student’s performance
of skills and other nursing activities to assure safe practice.
5. Orient the student to the clinical facility, personnel, policies/procedures, and the
learning opportunities.
6. Supervise the student's performance of skills and other nursing activities to
assure safe practices.
7. Maintain verbal and/or written communication with the faculty member.
Contact the faculty if assistance is needed, any problem with student performance
occurs, or the preceptor is to be absent.
8. Provide feedback to the student regarding clinical performance.
9. Evaluate the student performance in writing and discuss the evaluation with the
student at midterm and at the end of semester.
10. Discuss with faculty and student arrangements for appropriate coverage for
supervision of the student should the preceptor be absent.
11. Give feedback to the nursing program regarding clinical experience for
students and suggestions for program development.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE HEALTH CARE AGENCY
1. Retain ultimate responsibility for the care of clients.
2. Retain responsibility for preceptor's salary, benefits, and liability.
3. Arrange preceptors' work schedule so they are available on student clinical days.
4. Interpret the preceptor program and expectations of students to other agency personnel
who are not directly involved with preceptorship.
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RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE NURSING EDUCATION PROGRAM/FACULTY
MEMBER
1. Ensure that preceptors meet requirements of the program.
2. Ensure a written agreement is in place which delineates the functions and
responsibilities of the affiliating agency, clinical preceptor, nursing program, and
student.
3. Orient the preceptor and student to course expectations.
4. Inform the preceptor of the skill level of the student to guide the preceptor’s
expectations of the student.
5. Assume overall responsibility for teaching and evaluation of the student.
6. Assure student compliance with College health clearance standards on
immunization, screening, universal precautions, CPR, and current liability
insurance coverage.
7. Assign students to an approved preceptor and approve scheduling arrangements.
8. Provide guidance to students in the formulation of learning objectives.
9. Meet regularly with the clinical preceptor and the student in order to monitor and
evaluate the learning experience.
10. Be readily available, e.g., telephone, pager or e-mail for consultation when
students are in the clinical area.
11. Conference with students at designated times. Conduct initial and final student
group conferences.
12. Receive feedback from the preceptor regarding student performance.
13. Obtain preceptor and agency feedback on the preceptor arrangement for student
experience.
14. Provide recognition to the preceptor for participation as a preceptor.
15. Collaborate with the preceptor to ensure appropriate student assignments and
clinical experiences.
16. Communicate assignments and other essential information to the agencies.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE STUDENT
1. Coordinate personal schedule with the preceptor’s work schedule to avoid any
conflicts.
2. Maintain open communications with the preceptor and faculty.
3. Maintain up-to-date College health clearance and liability insurance requirements.
4. Arrange for orientation to the clinical facility, personnel, policies, procedures, and
agency goals and philosophy.
5. Function within the framework of the assigned agency.
6. Prepare for each clinical experience as needed.
7. Maintain accountability for own learning experiences.
8. Be accountable for own nursing actions while in the clinical setting.
9. Arrange for preceptor supervision when performing procedures.
10. Contact faculty, e.g. telephone, pager, or e-mail for assistance when necessary.
11. Participate in scheduled clinical conferences.
12. Respect the confidential nature of all information obtained during clinical experience.
13. Adhere to safety principles and legal standards in the performance of nursing care.
14. Meet student responsibilities as presented in course guideline/outline and in student hand
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ABILENE CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF NURSING
Record of Completed Tasks
Student: ____________________________________________
Date
Clinical Site: ___________________________________
Activity
Preceptor signature: __________________________________________________
Student signature: _____________________________________________________
Hours
Initials
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ABILENE CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF NURSING
Preceptor Evaluation of Student
Student Name: ________________________________________ Semester/Year: _______________
Location: _______________________________________________
The following is a checklist to be completed by the preceptor and submitted to
supervising faculty.
Evaluate student performance using the following:
E = Excellent S = Satisfactory NI = Needs Improvement N/A =No
Opportunity
Performance Criteria
Weekly
Evaluation
1. Arrives on time
2. Demonstrates the ability to assess, diagnose, plan, implement, and
evaluate patient care.
3. Performs interventions at the expected level of competence.
4.Demonstrates subject knowledge
5. Maintains professional behavior at all times and adapts to changes in
setting
6. Demonstrates safe medication administration at all times.
7. Maintains patient confidentiality regarding patient situation and
documentation
8. Demonstrates effective time management & organization in planning &
performing student nurse responsibilities.
9. Requests assistance, support & supervision appropriately.
10. Communicates information (written, oral, or electronically) to other
health care providers clearly, completely, accurately, & concisely.
11. Evaluates patient care & makes revisions to ensure optimal patient
outcomes.
12. Seeks and performs teaching as opportunities arise.
13. Records assessments & interventions according to agency policy.
14. Maintains professional appearance, wears uniform and badge.
Comments/Progress:
Preceptor Signature: ______________________________________ Date: _________________
Student Signature: ________________________________________ Date: _________________
Site Faculty Signature: ____________________________________ Date: _________________
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ABILENE CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF NURSING
STUDENT EVALUATION OF PRESCEPTOR EXPERIENCE
Student: ___________________________________________
Semester/ Year: _______________________________
Preceptor: _______________________________________________ Facility: _____________________________________
Based on the following scale please indicate your experience with the preceptor in meeting the
objectives for this rotation.
1= Strongly disagree
2 = Disagree
3 = Agree
4 = Strongly agree
Objectives
1. Demonstrated professionalism and peer respect.
2. Possessed clinical knowledge and expertise
3. Discussed expectations related to student’s role
4. Used effective teaching strategies
5. Created an accepting, supportive, and positive learning
environment.
6. Was physically present and available as a resource at all times
while in the clinical setting.
7. Planned and provided opportunities to address learning needs.
8. Was a professional role model in providing effective, efficient, and
safe nursing care.
9. Observed and assisted in simple and complex procedures while
adhering to agency policy and procedures.
10. Provided positive and constructive feedback and sets goals for
improvement.
Comments:
1
2
3
4
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ABILENE CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF NURSING
PRECEPTOR AGREEMENT
Course Title: _______________________
Semester: Fall / Winter / Spring /Summer Year: ________
I, (please print) _________________________________, agree:
1. I have completed or will complete preceptor orientation
2. I will precept __________________________________, SN according to course objectives for
the above listed course and time.
3. I will follow the functions and responsibilities of the preceptor as outlined in the
ACU Preceptor Handbook.
4. I have reviewed the applicable course requirements
5. I understand if I have any questions, I may call the faculty member at any time. I
have received contact information for the appropriate faculty.
6. I understand that this is an unpaid non-tenured position.
_____________________________________________
______________________
Preceptor signature
Date
My signature validates that I will follow the functions and responsibilities of my role as
outlines in the Preceptor Program.
______________________________________________
Student #1 (signature)
______________________________________________
Student #2 (signature)
______________________
Date
______________________
Date
I concur with the above assignment/agreement:
________________________________________________
______________________
Faculty (signature)
Date
Note: One copy to preceptor and/or agency and one copy to faculty member
for student records.