Preceptor Program

There's a special group of nurses at St. John's Hospital.

These nurses are called preceptors – experienced team leaders and clinicians who mentor senior nursing students during their management rotation. Rotations include 130 hours of clinical practice time and introduce entry-level nurses to leadership roles and career development.

Assisting the nursing instructors, these dedicated professionals take students under their wing and help them explore the interdisciplinary functions of organization, delegation, prioritization, coordination and collaboration at St. John's Hospital.

The Role of Preceptors

• Participate in identification of learning needs of the nursing student.
• Set goals with the student in collaboration with the faculty and curriculum.
• Act as a role model.
• Provide patient care in accordance with established, evidence-based nursing practice standards.
• Fulfill nursing duties according to hospital and unit policies and procedures.
• Maintain mature and effective working relationships with other health care team members.
• Use resources safely, effectively and appropriately.
• Demonstrate leadership skills in problem solving, decision making, priority setting, delegation of responsibility and in being accountable.
• Recognize that nursing role elements may be new to the student.
• Facilitate the student's professional socialization into the new role and with a new staff.
• Provide the student with feedback on his/her progress, based on preceptor's observation of clinical performance, assessment of achievement of clinical competencies and patient care documentation.
• Plan learning experiences and assignments to help the student meet weekly professional and clinical goals.
• Consult with the clinical faculty liaison as necessary.
• Participate in educational activities to promote continued learning and professional growth.
• Participate in ongoing evaluation of the program.