Preceptors are considered to be expert role models who are willing to share their knowledge and clinical experience utilizing effective learning strategies. Open communication between the preceptor and the student is essential to the learning process and should include clearly stated performance expectations with constructive feedback.
The preceptor will provide constructive, formative and summative feedback to students and faculty.
Daily Feedback
Evaluation of the student’s progress should be done on a daily basis. The preceptor should provide constructive, honest, and timely feedback. The Clinical Time Log provides space for documentation of daily feedback and validation of clinical hours completed.
- Feedback should be provided in a private setting (refrain from correcting the student in front of staff, peers or patients).
- Provide students with a clear message about areas of concern.
- Feedback should be timely and based on direct observation.
- Feedback sessions could begin with the student’s self-assessment.
- Specific, neutral language should be used to focus on performance.
- Reinforce and correct observed behaviors.
- Confirm the student’s understanding of the feedback.
- Conclude with an action plan (a specific plan of how to correct identified concerns).
- Reflect on your feedback skills.
Mid-Term / Final Evaluations
A formal evaluation of the student’s performance should be done at mid-term and at the completion of the practicum.
- The mid-term evaluation should be done after completion of approximately 90 clinical hours.
- The preceptor should review the mid-term evaluation with the student. Faculty will review the mid-term evaluation to monitor the student’s progress.
- The final evaluation should be completed by the preceptor and reviewed with student at the completion of the 180 clinical hours. The final evaluation will be returned to faculty by the student.
Faculty Contact
The preceptor should contact either of the course faculty at any time if concerns are identified regarding student performance and these concerns cannot be addressed through daily feedback. Faculty contact information is located on the Faculty and Student Contact Information Sheet and Contact page.
Documents
Clinical Time Log
The Clinical Time Log provides space for documentation of daily feedback and validation of clinical hours completed.
Preceptor's Evaluation of Course
The preceptor is asked to complete a course evaluation at the end of the practicum. This feedback will be used by faculty to implement ongoing improvements in the course. The evaluation is available online at www.jsu.edu/nursing/survey/ or a written copy can be completed and returned by the student.
Preceptor's Evaluation of Student
A formal evaluation of the student’s performance should be done at mid-term and at the completion of the practicum.
