The preceptor is an important role that provides the foundation to prepare your new staff member to practice independently. As a preceptor, you have the power to influence the rest of their career. You will either be the reason they become enthusiastic about nursing, or the reason they question their practice. The role requires you to acclimate, to be a coach and/or mentor, and a teacher.
Acclimation:
- Acclimatize the new hire to the environment. Not only the unit, but the facility as a whole. It is in this role that your help them establish new relationships.
- This is when they learn the written and unwritten norms
- Assist in learning the go-to people and other resources
- Introduce them to opportunities within the organization that will support their goals.
Coach/Mentor:
- Be flexible- We have to understand that no two people are alike and we all require different needs. This means having different techniques and tips at your disposal.
- Confident- If we don’t believe in ourselves, how can we expect them to develop the confidence to function independently?
- Provide feedback- This is the most difficult. Feedback allows you to acknowledge their strengths and motivates them to work on any identified weaknesses. Above all, they want it and more importantly, need it to be successful.
- Engaging- It’s important to make them feel as though they are heard and understood.
Teacher:
- Share your expertise but also assess and evaluate their abilities
- Set the bar. In other words, don’t accept mediocrity
- Assist them to develop and improve skills.
- Employ different methods to assist in meeting objectives.
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