Loma Linda University Health Loma Linda, California, USA October 20, 2014

By Gwendolyn A. Wysocki, MN, RN, C Manager of Academic Relations Loma Linda University Medical Center Staff Development Department

At the end of this presentation, the participant will be able to:  Discuss the value of precepting  Analyze the roles of the preceptor  Describe the impact of preceptor qualities  List the benefits of role competence to preceptees, customers/patients, institution, and preceptor

“It is easier to do a job right than to explain why you didn’t.” Martin Van Buren Eighth President of the United States 1837 to 1841

 Preceptor – guide, instructor  Preceptee – newly hired staff or leader, student or intern  Preceptorship – providing the preceptee an opportunity to translate knowledge into hands-on learning and practice of intellectual and psychomotor skills required for their positions

The critical link between the preceptee’s knowledge and their ability to apply that knowledge in day-to-day practice is the Preceptor.

 Establishes a structured, well-planned and consistent method of orientation or training  Decreases risk of knowledge or skill omission  Increases retention of new staff  Offers the opportunity to practice knowledge and skill acquisition in a supervised environment  Demonstrates respect for the new staff or students

 Hospital site – commitment and value  School / faculty – curricula and scholarship  Newly hired staff and students – orientation and learning  Preceptor – dedication and professionalism

 Successful completion of application requirements and process  Documented vaccinations  Background check clearance  Valid license and certifications

 Current Affiliation Agreement with School  Documented vaccinations  Current certifications and licensure (if applicable)  Insurance coverage  Background check clearance

“Minds are like parachutes – they only function when open.” Thomas Dewar

 Criteria to consider ◦ Current license ◦ Must desire professional growth ◦ Selected based on special skills ◦ Successful completion of Preceptor Training (if available)  Responsibilities and skills ◦ Communication ◦ Observation and attention to details ◦ Problem identification ◦ Planning, implementation, evaluation

 Once chosen, Preceptors should be trained to their new responsibilities, and to their Preceptor Roles  Preceptors should be familiar with Principles of Adult Learning

 Role Model ◦ Power and impact of actions/reactions  Educator ◦ Strengthens knowledge base  Facilitator ◦ Fosters and develops critical thinking  Evaluator ◦ Caring, honest, and sensitive feedback

 Will lead to imitating and absorbing of preceptor behavior ◦ Behavior modification may become permanent ◦ Modeling critical thinking is highly influential ◦ Clarity, consistency, openness, communicativeness, specificity and accessibility are common traits

 Allows supervision, individual attention, and immediate feedback necessary for: ◦ Most dominant role ◦ Manages learning ◦ Shares knowledge ◦ Utilizes resources

 Provides opportunity for free and independent thinking with an underlying learning structure: ◦ Identification of learning needs ◦ Open and constant communication ◦ Use of available resources ◦ Encourages self-assessment

 Compliments Educator Role  Provides feedback  Helps Preceptee develop ◦ Self-confidence ◦ Skill competence  Be objective, be honest, be encouraging, be kind

“Teaching is not just a job. It is a human service, and it must be thought of as a mission.” \ Dr. Ralph Tyler

 Knowledge ◦ Policies, techniques, practice standards ◦ Resources, routines, principles of adult learning  Skills ◦ Customer care, equipment ◦ Problem-solving, decision-making, priority-setting  Attitude ◦ Respectful, positive, constructive, mature ◦ Honest

Preceptor Personality – Dolphins Bonds form between individual dolphins that may last a lifetime. They have been observed physically supporting sick or dying pod members.

Preceptor Personality – Sharks They are the most feared fish by humans and neighboring fish alike. They have excellent sense which allows them to hunt their prey well.

 Dolphins ◦ Today  Every day is a new adventure  Gradual development of character ◦ Tomorrow  Human qualities deepen  Humanity will benefit ◦ Future  Future professionals will model this behavior  Sharks ◦ Today  Every day is a struggle  Gradual erosion of self-confidence and self-respect ◦ Tomorrow  Little desire to be human  Little respect for humans ◦ Future  Who will take care of you or me?

 Benefits to the Preceptee  Benefits to the Customer/Patient  Benefits to the Institution  Benefits to the Preceptor

 Bridges theoretical knowledge and practical learning  Opportunities to apply evidence-based research results to practice  Expand knowledge of their professional role  Opportunities to evaluate employment options

 Develops critical thinking skills  Supervision enhances learning experiences  Mentoring will strengthen sense of role  Strengthen health care team

 Will strengthen relationship with the community  Opportunity to evaluate potential as staff member  Enhances practice and leadership skills of staff

 Offers opportunities to teach new generations of students and staff  Maintain own professionalism  Enhance professional reputation  Cultivates confident, competent, and compassionate staff members or students

“As the person who digs obtains underground water by use of a shovel, so the preceptee attains the knowledge possessed by his/her preceptor through his/her service.” Chanakya