UMSON is always looking to partner with new preceptors for clinical experiences and site representatives for practicum and project experiences.
People in these roles serve as role models, educators, and confidants to their mentees. But the student/preceptor relationship is far from a one-sided exchange: It can be mutually enriching and rewarding. Here are a few reasons why you should consider precepting UMSON students.
- To create a pipeline of potential future colleagues
UMSON will work hard to match you with a student who will be a good fit for your unit or practice. Your mentee will become familiar with your organization, your role, and your patient population, and you’ll have a chance to get to know the student and to see how their competencies progress. Past preceptors have said that our students are some of the brightest, most dedicated, and best prepared they’ve worked with. Developing these working relationships can pay off when it’s time to add nurses to your team.
38% of our nursing students have taken a job at a site where they completed an experiential learning rotation.
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To improve workplace efficiency
Precepting students does require time and attention — but the extra hands could help you share your workload and, in turn, improve overall patient satisfaction. Patients often complain that health care workers don’t spend enough time evaluating them and answering their questions, and our students can fill this need. They are ready to take patient histories, perform basic tests and exams, and give immunizations. Practicum and project students can work with your practice or unit to assess current processes and technologies and to create efficiencies that can lead to better patient care and improved business practices. Meanwhile, your time will be freed up to focus on more complex responsibilities.
- To continue lifelong learning
Teaching strengthens our understanding of the topic at hand. Your mentee will likely have questions about how you practice and the scientific basis for your actions. As you work with students, you’ll find yourself learning along with them and updating your knowledge about the latest clinical practice guidelines. And if you aren’t quite certain of an answer, you can give them the task of researching the explanation!
Did you know you can use your precepting hours for American Nurses Credentialing Center Category 5 recertification? (This does not include Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists.)
- To bring energy to the everyday
Have your days become routine? Precepting can help you refocus your energy and renew your enthusiasm for patient care. Nursing students tend to bring fresh perspectives and are often excited to perform tasks that may have become mundane to you and your colleagues. And their passion for patient care can be contagious! You may find your entire team becomes newly infused with energy.
- To give back
Precepting allows you the opportunity to contribute to the next generation of nurses, just as a nurse once did for you. Think back to the wonderful, challenging, and enriching experiences you had as student that helped shape you into the nurse you are today, and how you may be able to create a similar experience for a current student.
Learn more about the benefits of becoming a preceptor and connect with us.