Preceptor Information – Non licensed Nurse Residents
Thank you for the valuable contribution you are making to the Vanderbilt Nurse Residency
program by serving as a preceptor. Your dedication is truly appreciated and we know that your
role as a professional nurse requires not only time and commitment but leadership skills as a
preceptor and mentor. This program give preceptors the chance to highlight the benefits of
their unit, help residents understand the processes and procedures you follow, what makes
your unit work, and why serving your particular patient population is exciting and inviting. We
want to make sure you have the necessary tools and information to do your job so we are
providing guidelines, listed below to help preceptors understand the role of the unlicensed
nurse resident during the rotational phase of the program.
Due to differing graduation dates and scheduling conflicts some nurse residents will begin their
clinical rotations before they have taken or passed the NCLEX examination. These nurse
residents are NOT licensed staff will be limited as to the amount and type clinical activities they
may perform during clinical rotations. Unlicensed nurse resident may perform any of the
functions of a care partner.
The unlicensed nurse resident MAY NOT:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Administer medications of any type
Be involved in any aspect of blood or blood product administration
Complete any point of care testing (blood glucose testing)
Complete independent assessments – they may perform physical assessments but
all findings must be verified by the preceptor
5. Start IVs, change infusion pump settings, titrate drips or manage IVs and infusion
pumps.
The unlicensed nurse resident may perform the following with supervision:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Take vital signs, including heights and weights
Perform basic hygiene – change linens, assist with baths, mouth care, pericare
Total intake and output, empty drainage bags
Simple wound care or simple dressings changes
May draw blood, direct sticks only, not from peripheral or central lines
Insert or remove Foley catheters, perform in and out catheterizations