Preceptor standards

Graduate clinical preceptor/mentor standards

The requirements, skills, and training necessary to become a UW School of Nursing preceptor vary depending on the specific student experience. Generally, UW School of Nursing Preceptors are required to:

  • Meet or exceed all legal and professional standards required to provide patient care, including being actively licensed and in good standing with national, state or local regulatory bodies;
  • Preceptors are advised to be fully oriented to their agency setting before precepting a student;
  • Be compliant with all employee requirements set forth by the site, including policies, procedures, and trainings and with all requirements defined in the affiliation agreement between the School of Nursing and the host organization;
  • Reflect about your own ability to be accessible to the student; professionally and legally supervise the student during the experience; and, provide sufficient learning opportunities in both amount and variety;
  • Provide a thorough orientation to the site before or at the start of the rotation to facilitate a smooth transition to the site, organize the student’s experience, and optimize use of available resources;
  • Be a role-model professional, providing a high standard for quality care that meets your professional code of ethics;
  • Be an effective, organized, and enthusiastic teacher, supporting the student to meet their course objectives as outlined in the course syllabus;
  • Exhibit superior skills in interpersonal relationships, communication, leadership, and management;
  • Encourage self-directed learning;
  • Clearly explain the expectations for the student, particularly in the areas of dress, conduct, scheduling of hours, and general characteristics of practice;
  • Constructively and privately convey feedback to the student;
  • Complete required evaluation materials (from UW School of Nursing) in an accurate, objective, and timely manner; and,
  • Communicate regularly with the student’s clinical instructor regarding student performance and progress.