Nursing Preceptor Program
Welcome to the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing Preceptor web site. At PITT, preceptorships are used in senior and master’s level courses to bridge the gap between theory and practice. The strength of the program is the involvement of preceptors like you… knowledgeable, experienced nurses who are willing to guide students. The school of nursing is offering a five module, self-paced, on-line course for nurses who work one on one with our nursing students. This web page will serve as a central place for information and resources of interest to both preceptors and students. We hope you find this information helpful.
The Clinical Preceptorship: A Bridge between Knowledge and Practice
This on-line course is offered without charge to current and potential PITT nursing student preceptors. It is a self-paced, five module course and each module has been approved for 1 CNE.
Overview of Preceptor CE modules:
Clinical Teaching Techniques
Clinical teaching is a core component in undergraduate nursing education programs. Nursing educators including preceptors often experience various challenges in planning and guiding learning activities for students in clinical settings. In this module you will receive general information on clinical teaching strategies which will help you precept nursing students. At the end of the module you will be able to do the following: (1) describe how to create an environment conducive to learning; (2) describe teaching techniques reflective of the student’s learning style; and (3) describe how to foster autonomy and critical thinking in clinical settings.
Supervision of Nursing Students
Nursing students have the opportunity to learn in a variety of clinical settings across the healthcare continuum. The preceptor plays a key role in not only direct supervision to ensure competent, safe completion of specific skills, but also in guiding the students’ development within the clinical learning environment to promote self-awareness and critical thinking . In this module on supervision, you will (1) review intentional learning experiences that facilitate clinical and professional development in students; (2) describe behaviors that facilitate student learning; and (3) apply micro-teaching strategies in a variety of preceptor-student interactions
Communication and Conflict Resolution
Effective communication is essential in conveying information, establishing relationships, building rapport, and the safety of the patient. In this module you will receive a foundation on the skills needed to be an effective communicator to nursing students. Participants will also learn strategies to teach students how to be effective communicators themselves. At the end of the module participants will be able to do the following: (1) describe what elements are needed for effective communication; (2) compare positive and negative communication techniques; (3) understand and discuss the rationale for active listening techniques; and (4) evaluate scenarios for effective conflict resolution.
Managing the Clinical Learning Environment
This module provides you with information and resources to help you design an effective and rewarding learning experience for your students. Creating a learning environment that supports the student is vital for a successful preceptorship. This module provides a background on the different ways to guide the education of students and create an environment that facilitates their learning. Participants will learn strategies to help with spotting and creating learning opportunities while planning patient assignments.
Evaluating Student
As reviewed in the Communication and Conflict Resolution Module, a baccalaureate nursing program is expected to meet standards that prepare the graduate nurse to be competent in several areas. This module on Evaluation teaches that evaluation acts as a quality assurance mechanism allowing one to judge performance in relation to professional standards. Preceptors should use evaluation methods to determine student progress through the nursing program and establish student competence. Having formal evaluation methods is an essential part in maintaining the integrity of the nursing profession by developing students to be able clinicians always with the safety of the patient in mind. At the end of the module participants will be able to do the following: (1) distinguish between feedback and evaluation; (2) describe different evaluation techniques; and (3) discuss ways to enhance fairness in evaluating.
To register or receive more information on this course contact :
precept@pitt.edu