Frequently Asked Questions

No, preceptors are not required to take students every semester. The commitment is typically for one academic semester (one course rotation), with a minimum of one student, and lasts only for the duration of the student’s assigned clinical hours. You may choose to precept again in future/subsequent semesters based on your availability and the program’s needs. Individuals who precept for a minimum of two semesters within a given academic year are eligible for preceptor incentives.

Precepting is a voluntary educational role. The School of Nursing and Health Studies does not provide direct monetary compensation to preceptors. Individuals who precept for a minimum of two semesters within a given academic year are eligible for preceptor incentives. If you are interested in a more formal role, you can explore the clinical instructor role, which is a part-time employment position with the School of Nursing and Health Studies. 

Preceptors use the course-specific objectives and evaluation tools provided by the program to assess student performance. Students will self-evaluate their performance in collaboration with their preceptor and clinical instructor, completing both midterm and final evaluations. Assessment should reflect the student’s clinical skills, professionalism, communication, critical thinking, and ability to provide safe, evidence-based care.

If you have any concern regarding a student’s performance, professionalism, or safety: 

• Immediately contact the clinical instructor.   
• If the issue is urgent (e.g., patient safety risk), remove the student from direct care activities immediately and inform both the site supervisor and faculty. 
• You may also contact the program director for additional support. 
• All concerns will be addressed collaboratively to ensure patient safety and appropriate student remediation. 

Preceptors are expected to provide direct supervision for all clinical learning activities. The student should always function in a learning role under preceptor oversight. As the student demonstrates increased competence, they may perform tasks more independently, but the preceptor retains responsibility for final oversight and all patient care decisions. 

If a student makes a clinical or documentation error: 

• Ensure patient safety immediately. 
• Follow your facility’s incident reporting procedures. 
• Notify the clinical instructor and program director as soon as possible. Together, the faculty, preceptor, and student will review the incident, determine appropriate remediation, and complete required documentation. 

Students may only provide care under the supervision of their preceptor. They can perform patient assessments, treatments, and documentation only within the limits of their demonstrated competency and your oversight. Preceptors must review and approve all patient care plans before implementation. 

Faculty members are available for guidance throughout the semester, and preceptors receive their contact information for support at any time. 

Preceptors will be provided resources that will support their ability to role model high-quality, evidenced-based care, support the clinical education of APRN’s, and address commonly encountered challenges.

Preceptors are encouraged to access the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) Preceptor Portal, click here, as well as the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Clinical Preceptor Guide, click here.

See preceptor incentives. Although financial compensation is not provided, preceptors are highly valued for their vital contributions to nursing education. The School of Nursing and Health Studies expresses its gratitude by providing a Certificate of Appreciation and Verification of Precepting Hours. In addition, the school hosts an annual Preceptor Recognition Dinner and highlights outstanding preceptors through special spotlight features on our website. Individuals who precept a student for a minimum of two semesters within a given academic year will be eligible for incentives that support their recertification and continuing education.  

If you must end your preceptorship before the semester concludes, please notify the student and clinical placement coordinator and/or program director as soon as possible. The School of Nursing and Health Studies will work with you and the student to ensure a smooth transition and completion of the student’s required clinical hours. 

The School of Nursing and Health Studies primarily places students in Florida-based clinical sites, with preference for South Florida and surrounding regions.