Precepting a Student? Here are the Job Descriptions

Often a community health nurse is asked to precept a nursing student. Having a student accompany a nurse into patients' homes and clinics provides valuable learning experiences for the student. In this one-to-one, apprentice-type relationship with a community-skilled nurse, the student synthesizes clinical knowledge by learning skills, roles, responsibilities, and standards of care outside the acute care setting and enhances assessment, decision-making, and communication skills. In addition, preceptor experiences are opportunities to ignite professional enthusiasm, as well as serve as recruitment and retention modalities. To assist in implementing and/or continuing preceptor practicums with nursing schools, this article lists the job descriptions for all those involved in preceptorships.