A preceptor is the term given to experienced and knowledgeable nurses that help to guide nursing students and assist them with bridging the gap between theoretical learning and practical application.
Nurse practitioners often wonder how they could go about becoming a preceptor given their natural calling to put the needs of others before themselves, assist with their problems and give something back.
This means that nurse practitioners often view the education of other nurses as a path that would be rewarding for them, but what are the rewards and how would they even begin such a process?
It is actually a lot easier than it might seem for a nurse practitioner to become a preceptor. One good move that an interested party could make would be to use the Wilkes University admissions email to find out more information about the courses.
nurse Preceptor requirements
It is difficult to find much information on the internet as to the precise requirements that are needed for a nurse practitioner to become a preceptor. The reason for this is because there are no real guidelines that are shared all over the United States about how to do so.
The only real requirement that is essential to become a preceptor is experience. A nurse who has at least two years working as a nurse practitioner likely already has enough experience to be able to make that move if they so wish.
There are some other, fairly obvious, requirements such as being a licensed nurse practitioner within the state where you intend to work as a preceptor, as well as only being able to do so within your existing specialty.
Providing that a nurse practitioner is up to date with all of the standard current regulatory requirements then there should be nothing to stop them becoming a preceptor.
Teaching skills
Above and beyond experience and regulations some nursing practitioners might think they would not be able to become a preceptor because they have no teaching skills.
While this is an understandable concern, anyone who is curious, and patient, is likely to have the skills to become a wonderful preceptor. Those are the two values that are most required for anyone in such a position.
The ability to listen to patients and working with them is already an everyday part of the job for nurse practitioners. While working with students may not be the same, the reality is most nurse practitioners probably already have more qualities that easily translate into teaching skills than they realize.
Getting students
After ensuring that all requirements are prepared, all a nurse practitioner has to do to begin to work as a preceptor is fill out the necessary paperwork so that your potential student’s NP program can verify your experience.
There are preceptor communities that can be joined that help with the process, though it is possible to do this on your own. A good method is to reach out to local universities to connect with potential students.
Becoming a preceptor is a great way to further the nursing profession and help to inspire future generations of nurses.
