Preceptors’ Pointers: Getting Started on the Right Foot

An occasional series of preceptor-related questions with answers from experienced preceptors.

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Q: I graduated from my midwifery program 4 years ago and was recently asked to precept a student. What support or guidance should I expect from the program, and are there any best preceptor practices that you can share?

A: The school should provide you as the preceptor with a copy of the course syllabus and guidance about how to evaluate the student (paper forms, online feedback on a daily/weekly basis and when and who to check in with from the program). My best piece of precepting advice is to set clear expectations of the student from the first day. Want them to be there 15 minutes early and to have chart-prepped patients ahead of time? Tell them upfront! The vast majority of students want to excel in clinical; give them clear verbal and written guidance so they can do this. Do not let “bad” behavior slide, prevent it. Don’t forget to have fun. Precepting is another awesome perk to the profession. Watching a student progress over the course of a month, semester, or year is extremely rewarding.

A: One piece of advice that has always been important whenever I’ve precepted students is to make time in the beginning of the day and the end of the day for reviewing their goals and reflecting upon their experiences from that day. Checking in with how well the student is feeling and their hopes for improving on a certain skill or their reflections on an experience that was difficult will keep the lines of communication open. It will also create a safe space for sharing their concerns or fears. This then helps you, as the preceptor, give constructive criticism cushioned with praise for areas of improvement.