2025 Doctor of Nursing Practice Preceptors of the Year

Sun Kim, DNP, ARNP, AGACNP-BC

What inspired you to become a clinical preceptor?

I have had the privilege to work with so many preceptors in the past, as a nursing student, a new grad RN, a NP student, and a new grad NP. As a learner faced with countless unfamiliar subjects and situations, I often found myself so overwhelmed with the uncertainty and challenges. I often reflect on what it meant to have received their education, guidance, and support in these moments. I owe them for my professional growth and success, and it is truly my honor and joy to realize that I am playing a part, big or small, to give back what I have received to the future generations of nursing leaders.

What advice would you give to our nursing students?

I have to say, nursing is a very challenging profession. It can be physically and mentally demanding. I am sure every one of you in your near future will be encountered by so many challenges and obstacles.

Olivia Bennett, MSN, CNM, ARNP

What inspired you to become a clinical preceptor?

The practice of midwifery can bring so many skills and values that are critical to our complicated healthcare system. One of the things that keeps me going on hard days working in healthcare is helping our students learn to bring trauma informed care, antiracism, cultural humility, and radical inclusivity to their practice. It’s an entire world view that we practice in and out of the hospital to benefit our patients.

What advice would you give to our nursing students?

Hold tight to the reasons you’re doing this work and don’t lose sight of them amidst the hard parts of this job. Let that be the light that guides you through and shapes your practice. Also always use your PTO. You can’t help anyone if you burn out in five years!

Ashlyn Fitzgerald, DNP, CPNP-PC, MSN, RN

What inspired you to become a clinical preceptor?

I truly enjoy working with nurse practitioner students and supporting them on their journey to becoming confident, competent providers. I love my profession — the breadth of practice, the collaborative nature of the work, and, most importantly, the opportunity to care for pediatric patients. Precepting allows me to share that passion and help shape the next generation of NPs. It’s a privilege to be able to contribute to my students’ learning and watch their skills and clinical judgement develop over time. Also, I always learn a lot from them as well!

What advice would you give to our nursing students?

What we do can be hard – physically, emotionally, and mentally. And it’s okay to feel that way. Find your support systems, your passion projects, and the things that bring you joy both at work and outside of it. Because what we do is also so important and so meaningful. You chose this path for a reason, and the impact you’ll make is powerful. The challenges are real — but so are the rewards. You got this.

Melanie Summerour, MN, ARNP, CPNP-PC

What inspired you to become a clinical preceptor?

My work as a primary care PNP is fulfilling and rewarding, but also very challenging and at times heartbreaking. I appreciate the opportunity as a preceptor to share what I’ve learned with DNP students and help them to thrive in this role. It’s really important to me to foster respect and understanding for my patients of low SES, those with mental health concerns, physical challenges or gender-related needs, and people with neurodiversity. Being a preceptor is the best way I know to help share my values and expertise with the next generations of nurse practitioners.

What advice would you give to our nursing students?

Know that being so intimately involved with your patients and their families is a privilege and honor, and always strive to do your best by them, even when it’s challenging. Enjoy the happy moments, and hold onto them when the job is difficult. You’ve chosen the very best career, and it will be extremely rewarding.

Sara Fenstermacher MSN, RN, ARNP-CS

What inspired you to become a clinical preceptor?

I truly love what I do and the team I work with. When I precept, I get to share that with others. I also learn a lot when I precept.

What advice would you give to our nursing students?

Nursing is not easy, but when you find your people (the population that inspires you and the team that supports you) – you will find your joy.

Shayla Holcomb, BSN, RN

What inspired you to become a clinical preceptor?

As a powerfully vulnerable and energizing leader, I believe in being human, authentic, and what people want and expect from their nurse. I operate with a growth mindset, and I believe in setting the tone of civility and resiliency, and that doing so is everyone’s responsibility. I have learned that team effectiveness and learning are not sustainable without a feeling of psychological safety. As I work with other nurses, I want to “pass the baton” in meaningful ways. The most significant way I can do that is by inviting this new generation of nurses into welcoming learning spaces that support their resiliency as well as foster reflective practice and critical thinking as fundamental platforms from which to grow their nursing knowledge, skills, and attitudes.

What advice would you give to our nursing students?

Master the Basics

• Anatomy & Physiology: Understand how the body works — it’s the foundation for everything.
• Medical Terminology: Learn the language of healthcare to better understand your coursework and communicate with your team.
• Critical Thinking: Don’t just memorize — practice applying knowledge to real-life clinical situations.
  Study Smart
• Start using NCLEX-style questions early. They improve both exam performance and clinical reasoning.
  Engage Fully in Clinicals
• Be proactive. Ask questions. Volunteer (safely and within your scope).
• Build relationships with nurses, preceptors, and instructors — they can become mentors or references.
• Reflect intentionally after each experience: “What did I learn? What would I do differently next time?”

Protect Your Mental Health

• Practice self-awareness. Notice signs of stress, exhaustion, or burnout early.
• Use this weekly reflection: “What gave me energy this week? What drained me?”
• Don’t “power through” silently. Talk to a peer, preceptor, counselor, or use your school’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) if needed.

Grow with Compassion and Confidence

• Be adaptable and empathetic — healthcare is constantly changing.
• Advocate for your patients and yourself when something doesn’t feel right.
• Confidence grows with experience. Trust the process and give yourself grace.

Final Note:

Nursing school is challenging, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Stay curious. Stay grounded. And remember: You’re learning how to care for others — so don’t forget to care for yourself.”

Jeovana Oshan, ARNP, PMHNP-BC

What inspired you to become a clinical preceptor?

My preceptors and their dedication to the next generation of NP’s. I am inspired by my patients and families. Without the investment that my preceptors clearly had in me, I would not have been prepared for the dance that is to partner with our patient’s in executing our skills in a way that really moves treatment forward.

What advice would you give to our nursing students?

Start with seeing the person. That will lead you to the right evidence based practice, AND helps tremendously with buy in from your families. It’s OK to say you don’t know. Families always appreciate you taking the time to be thoughtful and safe in your practice rather than having all the answers.

Maryam Mostaghni Yazdi, FNP, ARNP

What inspired you to become a clinical preceptor?

The inspiration to become a clinical preceptor comes from a desire to give back to the profession and provide mentorship to the next generation of health care providers.

What advice would you give to our nursing students?

Choose a clinicals that push you out of your comfort zone, Be early for your clinicals, Believe in yourself, pick the hardest patient patient you can at clinical, be truthful and committed to your work, eat healthy, be a role model, exercise daily.

Michael Garrett DNP, ARNP, MHA

What inspired you to become a clinical preceptor?

I remember how I felt as a novice and know how great it was to have good support while learning.

What advice would you give to our nursing students?

You are not inadequate; you are supposed to be here. Everyone feels unsure of themselves while in school and early into practice. It gets better!