PRECEPTOR DEVELOPMENT FOR NURSING EDUCATION

Eastern AHEC assists in the educational development of preceptors for nursing students as

mandated by the N.C. Legislature. Students enrolled in schools of nursing have both classroom

and clinical components to their educational program. Preceptors serve as valuable adjuncts to

community college and university nursing faculty by assisting students as they learn in a variety

of health care settings. Preceptors are individuals who possess a high level of skill in their area

of clinical practice as well as a strong desire to help students master the learning objectives of

their clinical experience. They also possess the opportunity to influence the workforce decisions

of future nurses through mentorship.

During this nursing shortage schools have increased measures to educate more registered nurses.

In order to provide a sufficient number of high quality clinical sites the identification and

training of qualified preceptors is vital. Clinical experts in hospitals, home health agencies,

longterm care agencies and other health care settings have traditionally filled this demand. The

implementation of training activities for these preceptors is a fundamental component of

developing a strong clinical site.

Regional preceptor education activities are advertised in the EAHEC quarterly calendar.

Previous programs have addressed critical thinking, learning strategies, creative teaching,

supervisory skills, mentorship and many other topics. Health care agencies may also request

onsite preceptor development education by calling EAHEC Nursing Education. University or

Community College Nursing Schools that are currently developing clinical sites and are

recipients of clinical site development grants from the NC AHEC Program are invited to submit

requests for onsite preceptor development activities as part of their clinical site development

grant.