Graduate Clinical Preceptor Resources

Welcome to the resource page for graduate clinical preceptors. As a clinical preceptor, you are one of our most valuable resources in our program. The clinical setting allows for the synthesis of concepts and the application of didactic learning and APRN role development. In this section, we have provided several links to support your orientation to the role of an APRN clinical preceptor.

If this is your first time as a preceptor or you are returning for another semester, we are grateful for your commitment to preparing the next generation of advanced practice nurses. We hope you will enjoy the time with your student and find it a mutually rewarding experience.

If you have additional questions or an immediate concern, be sure to contact us. We look forward to working with you.

Graduate Program Chairs

APRN Clinical Placement Specialist

Graduate Clinical Preceptor Documents

Below you will find several resources to support your role as a preceptor and ensure a successful clinical experience.

Frequently Asked Questions for Graduate Nursing Student Preceptors

How do I become a preceptor?

All preceptors must have a minimum of one year of current clinical experience working as an NP, CNS, CNM, PA, or physician; hold a current unencumbered state license/certificate, and be nationally certified in their area of specialty. Preceptors should be confident in their clinical knowledge base and practice skills and work a schedule of weekly hours that will accommodate student learning needs — usually a minimum of 2 days/week. 

How many clinical hours will the student complete during each clinical rotation?

The letter confirming the student’s clinical placement will be sent to you via email. This letter will include the number of hours the student has been assigned to your practice, typically 75 or 150 hours for NP students. Overall, students in one of our NP programs will complete a minimum of 600 direct care hours, and students in our CNS program will complete a total of 500 clinical hours in their program.

Clinical hours per semester

Nurse Practitioner Programs (FNP, AGACNP, AGPCNP, PMHNP)

  • 150 hr./direct patient care per semester = 10-15 hr./week over 12-14 weeks

Clinical Nurse Specialist Program (CNS)

  • 125 hr./clinical semester = 11-14 hr./week over 12-14 weeks

This is my first time working with graduate students, what is my role as a preceptor?

You are responsible for direct supervision of the student in the clinical setting. NP students must provide direct care, CNS students may be working on projects that directly influence the quality of patient care, but the student may not be providing direct patient care. You will serve as a teacher, mentor, role model, and evaluator — providing supervision, support, and an opportunity for your student to advance practice knowledge and skills.

What are the course objectives?

Each course has specific learning outcomes. The student will provide the preceptor with a copy of the clinical course syllabus that outlines course/clinical outcomes. Course descriptions can also be found in the catalog.

How much clinical experience will my graduate student have?

Prior to starting APRN clinicals, all students have successfully completed graduate coursework in advanced health assessment, advanced pharmacology, and advanced pathophysiology. PMHNP students also complete neuropsychiatric assessment and psychopharmacology prior to beginning their clinical rotations. In addition, students have a minimum of 1–2 year(s) of clinical experience as a registered nurse.

How are students matched with preceptors?

The clinical placement team and program coordinators review all placements to ensure a match in the student’s clinical area of focus, the clinical course, and the practice site/preceptor. The team takes into consideration the course requirements, students’ skills and practice background, and characteristics of the site/preceptor. 

Do I have to supervise everything my student does? How much independence do I allow?

The preceptor is the primary provider for all patients seen by students and, therefore, all patients must be seen, evaluated, and examined by the preceptor. You may decide, after the student has been with you for some time, to have the student see the patients first and then present to you and discuss the plan and treatment. Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement require clinical provider documentation for all billable services.

Are APRN students allowed to write prescriptions?

No, the students do not have prescriptive authority. The preceptor should review the plan of care with the students, but all prescriptions must be finalized and signed by the preceptor/provider.

Am I responsible for contacting my student after I receive the matching information?

No. The student will initiate contact either through phone or email. If you haven’t heard from your student in a timely manner, or one week before the semester starts, please notify the clinical program coordinator, who is included on your preceptor letter.

What is the Preceptor Letter of Agreement?

It is a written commitment between the Wegmans School of Nursing and the preceptor for a specified number of clinical hours that the student will be completing at your clinical practice site under your supervision. In addition, the school has a clinical site/practice affiliation agreement in place with the practice and/or health system.

What if I can no longer precept?

Please check if another provider in your practice can serve as the preceptor, and please notify us as soon as possible.

What do I do if my student is late or doesn’t show up for a scheduled clinical?

Contact the student immediately and notify the student’s course instructor or clinical site visitor. 

What if I have to take an emergency leave or sick day?

If possible, you can check with one of your colleagues to see if they can supervise the student and serve as the preceptor for that day. Notify the student of the change or the need to reschedule the hours.

How is the student evaluated?

We encourage preceptors to have an ongoing conversation with the student each clinical day about their. strengths and areas for growth. Please see the Clinical Evaluation Guidelines [pdf] for more details.

Why do you need a copy of my professional license(s), resume, and certification?

Our accreditation criteria require us to have preceptor credentials on file. Please upload your professional license(s), national certification(s), and résumé to Typhon.

What if the student and I don’t “connect” on a personal level?

As a healthcare professional, the preceptor is expected to provide appropriate supervision and an objective evaluation despite personality differences. Serious working relationship issues should be reported immediately. 

Does the Wegmans School of Nursing have a graduate student code of conduct?

The expectations for graduate student professional behavior are available in the Nursing Student Handbook [pdf]. Any unprofessional, unethical, or unsafe behavior must be immediately reported to the appropriate program coordinator and the clinical site visitor.

Is there a dress code for graduate students?

Students are expected to follow the Graduate Student Clinical Dress Code Policy, which is outlined in the Nursing Student Handbook [pdf]

What are the benefits of precepting?

All advanced practice nurses are dependent on the willingness of providers to provide clinical supervision and experience during their graduate programs. As a beneficiary of this during your own education, we hope you accept this responsibility to do the same for current graduate students. Serving as a preceptor is an effective way to advance your own professional development and have a significant impact on the next generation of advanced practice nurses. These hours may also be used for national professional certification requirements.

Do I earn CEUs for serving as a preceptor?

No. However, you may be eligible to apply your precepted hours toward national professional recertification. To support this process, the school will send you a summary of your preceptor hours at the end of each semester.

If I have colleagues who would like to serve as preceptors, how do I refer them to you?

Please contact Dr. Katie Rowles, krowles@sjf.edu, or Grace Mroczka, gmroczka@sjf.edu. 

Is training for preceptors available?

We have provided several resources to support your role as a preceptor. The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculty (NONPF) has an excellent APRN preceptor portal including preceptor vignette videos and additional resources to support you. You may also reach out to any of our program coordinators. 

What is the purpose of the site visit?

Current standards for graduate programs require that students have a minimum of one visit by faculty or site visitor from the program during their clinical rotation. This provides an opportunity for the faculty to meet the preceptor, assess the student/preceptor working relationship, make sure the site has a variety of experiences to meet the student’s learning needs, and assess the student’s progress. The student and preceptor also have the opportunity to discuss any concerns and determine if additional site visits are needed.

If I use different exam techniques than the student, which ones should be followed?

Many approaches can be used to achieve the outcome of an effective PE. Preceptors need to assess if student techniques meet current practice standards and ultimately achieve desired outcomes. Students are taught classic techniques and strategies; it is helpful if these are reinforced in practice. Any serious concerns should be addressed with the clinical site visitor.

Are there any procedures that students are not allowed to do?

Students are allowed to do advanced practice procedures that are taught in their program of study (see procedure checklist). All procedures must be directly supervised by the preceptor and align with the student’s program of study. Students may not complete procedures for which they have not been trained and may not participate in or observe surgical procedures or any interventional procedures.

What do I do with the student if there are cancellations or no-shows?

Students should be using this time to discuss case studies, follow up on lab results, complete referrals, do patient teaching, or research practice questions. 

Is the student allowed to use personal electronic device(s) in the clinical setting?

Students must follow the site-specific guidelines regarding personal electronic devices in the clinical setting. Typically, students are allowed to use personal electronic devices to access clinical references or other resources. At no time should patient-specific information be downloaded onto these devices. Students are not allowed to access social media or personal email at clinical sites during clinical hours.

What if the student does not complete the agreed upon hours by the end of the semester?

Unless special arrangements are made, students are not allowed to attend clinical after the course ends. If you have questions, please contact the students’ course instructor. 

If you have additional questions regarding clinical placements or other clinical questions, please contact Dr. Tara Sacco at tsacco@sjf.edu, or Dr. Katie Rowles, APRN Clinical Placement Specialist at krowles@sjf.edu.