Read below to find answers for some common questions about the preceptor process. If you have other questions or need additional information, contact Advanced Practice Clinical Liaison Karoline Thornton, or Graduate Specialist Stacey Warden.
A preceptor for the KSN nurse practitioner student shall have the following minimum qualifications, as outlined by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing:
- At least one year of experience in their realm of practice, either nursing or medicine
- Current, unencumbered license in the state of Oklahoma, or in another state (if employed by the US government or any bureau, division, or agency thereof), as an APRN, Medical Doctor, or Doctor of Osteopathy and practices in a comparable practice focus
- Function as a supervisor and teacher and contribute to the evaluation of the individual’s performance in the clinical setting
- Have demonstrated competencies related to the area of assigned clinical teaching responsibilities
Go to the Become a Preceptor page, fill out all the required information and submit the form. Our clinical specialist will contact you after receiving your form.
Experienced professionals in the health care community possess invaluable talents, knowledge and abilities. When these skills are shared with students, opportunities for learning develop that are unique to the clinical experience. The role of preceptor should be undertaken with consideration for the following:
- The preceptor, functioning as an employee of the preceptor agency, acts as a teacher and role model for the student. Otherwise, the preceptor is not expected to perform outside of his/her professional role. It is the sharing of the reality of this role that is the value of the experience for the student.
- The preceptor experience is best facilitated when the preceptor maintains open communication with the student and faculty. The student should be provided with a verbal appraisal of performance each day he/she spends with the preceptor.
- At the completion of the clinical experience, the preceptor will provide a written evaluation of the student's overall performance to the course.
If a situation arises during the experience that the preceptor believes is beyond his/her role to handle, faculty will be available for immediate consultation. Preceptors are encouraged to call faculty if any questions or concerns arise. A preceptor may request immediate assistance from faculty, if necessary.
Yes, preceptors may receive Continuing Education credit. At the end of the semester, a thank you letter is sent to each of our preceptors verifying the amount of precepted hours. For Nurse Practitioners, preceptor hours can be applied to your re-certification requirements. For physicians, teaching other health professionals (serving as a preceptor) is a non-designated Category 2 credit activity, and can be self-reported on the American Medical Association (AMA) Physician’s Recognition Award (PRA) application for credit.
Prior to clinical rotation, preceptors are provided with detailed descriptions of KSN’s clinical courses that the student is enrolled in. This includes course perquisites and credit; course learning outcomes; communication process; practicum hours; attendance and expectations; and suggested learning strategies. Students are required to demonstrate competency of specialty-related skills prior to beginning clinical rotations.
