Improving the Preceptor Experience

In today’s constricted global economy and physician shortages, qualified nurse practitioners are essential leaders in providing primary care. Quality nurse practitioner education depends on the availability of clinical preceptors to educate students in the application of theory into the practice setting and in the testing of new knowledge. For these reasons, new methods of retaining qualified preceptors are needed to ensure students receive appropriate training in the primary care setting. 

A literature review identified those factors which foster positive relationships with community preceptors and serve to retain a critical resource for nurse practitioner education. Based on these findings, the Partners in Education Nurse Practitioner Preceptor Website was developed to provide ongoing educational development; improve communication, and access between faculty and community preceptors locally, and in rural settings; and provide a mechanism for preceptor recognition.  

By understanding preceptor role requirements, adult learning strategies, and student learning needs, a more rewarding experience results for the preceptor and student. Additional resources, benefits and improved communication with clinical faculty enhance the preceptor’s effectiveness and satisfaction in mentoring the next generation of nurse practitioners.  Positive findings from an online evaluation survey and distance observation study, demonstrate the efficacy of these resources.  Dissemination of these tools will assist other NP programs in the development of a nurse practitioner preceptor website, especially for regions that are underserved or geographically challenged nationally.