This handbook was developed following guidelines outlined in the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) publication: Dumas, M.A, (Ed) (2000).  Partners in NP education: A preceptor manual for NP programs, faculty, preceptors, and students.  Washington, DC:  National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties. This handbook was developed by Carla Dieter, Ed.D., CNP, Assistant Professor at South Dakota State University.

Graduate Preceptor Handbook for Faculty, Preceptors, and Students

Welcome Letter to Preceptors

Welcome!

We are pleased that you have agreed to be a clinical preceptor for one of our graduate Family Nurse Practitioner students. You are vital to the success of our program.  Students need the “real life” experience that only a clinical practice with an expert clinician can offer.    The clinical site provides opportunities where the student can acquire knowledge, advance skills, and observe the modeling of professional behaviors.  Without your willingness to participate, it would be impossible to replicate the experiences the student needs to be successful.

The following material provides general information about the College of Nursing at South Dakota State University graduate program as well as specifics regarding the Family Nurse Practitioner Specialization.  Each of the clinical courses specific to the FNP specialization has the course syllabus with expectations outlined as well as course schedules posted.  I would encourage you to peruse the information regarding the course your student is currently taking as well as past courses.  Preceptors are always welcome to attend class if there is a topic they would like to hear.  Professors would appreciate prior notice in order to have enough materials on hand. 

Additional materials included are forms used to evaluate the student's clinical experience.  Forms used by preceptors as well as faculty are included.  Faculty and preceptor's roles regarding evaluation of the student is explained.  Site visits by faculty are outlined as well as the procedure for preceptors who have a student who is having difficulty in the clinical setting. 

Also included are forms for the preceptor to complete including the preceptor curriculum vitae.  The College of Nursing is required to have information regarding our preceptors on file for our accreditation.  The curriculum vitae form is provided for ease of completion, but if you have a current resume/vitae prepared you can simply provide us a copy.  The College of Nursing also requires a preceptor and agency agreement be on file.  Documents are included. 

We hope that you find the materials contained here helpful in your role as a preceptor.

Please feel free to contact the major professor in any of the courses if you have questions, concerns, or recommendations.  The faculty values your services as a preceptor and welcomes your recommendations for making the preceptor role more effective and satisfying.