American International College FNP 

THANK YOU!  

Thank you for becoming a preceptor for our online Family Nurse Practitioner programs. Our programs’ success depends on the dedication of healthcare professionals like you who are interested in contributing to our students’ educational process.   

This guide provides baseline information about internship and field practicum. There are also frequently asked questions to help answer any questions you may have. However, please feel free to reach out to your student’s faculty advisor or Ellen Furman (ellen.furman@aic.edu) if you have any additional questions.  

PRECEPTOR AND STUDENT EXPECTATIONS  

Preceptor Role  

A preceptor is an experienced healthcare professional who agrees to train students in the field using a variety of skills and education tools. They serve as role models, showing professional behavior, and appropriate actions and behaviors. 

They help nurse practitioner students learn by providing feedback, maintaining a safe learning environment, and determining appropriate tasks for the student. Preceptors collaborate with the students and faculty to ensure the internship and field practicum experience is satisfactory for all parties.

As a preceptor, you will engage in multiple roles, such as:

• Teacher
• Coach
• Leader/Influencer
• Facilitator/Socialization agent
• Evaluator
• Protector
• Role Model
• Mentor

Preceptor Responsibilities  

As a preceptor, you will also have several responsibilities:  

• Provide support and encouragement to the student 
• Provide a variety of learning experiences within the nursing practice setting 
• Educate/inform the student about policies, procedures, and guidelines 
• Expect and communicate with the student to work on days/times according to your schedule throughout the rotation together 
• Notify the student of any changes in the schedule 
• Support the student in their learning of skills and professional behaviors 
• Maintain or co-sign the time log to document the student’s precepted hours 
• Report any issues, concerns, adverse events or unfavorable outcomes to the appropriate contact at Walsh in a timely manner 
• Notify the faculty if the student is not meeting objectives 
• Complete evaluations as requested 

Student Responsibilities  

Students also have responsibilities to ensure a successful internship and field practicum experience: 

• Arrive on time and take breaks at an appropriate time.
• Review personal goals for the precepted experience with the preceptor and revise if needed 
• Determine an appropriate work schedule and complete dates as scheduled (dates and hours selected must not conflict with classes)
• Demonstrate an attitude of cooperation and willingness to learn 
• Establish rapport with patients and families when appropriate 
• Work as a team member 
• Demonstrate effective communication with patients, staff members, and the preceptor
• Follow all site regulations and guidelines for practice
• Immediately report any adverse events or outcomes to the preceptor
• Seek new learning experiences and request help when needed 
• Accept guidance and suggestions with a positive attitude 
• Improve skills, knowledge, and understanding of the nurse practitioner role.
• Notify the instructor, faculty, and preceptor of emergency changes in schedule.

Important Information Before The First Day

It is important to cover the following items with the student prior to the start of his/her rotation or during your first meeting:

• Shift schedule
• Required dress code based on student handbook and site policy
• Parking policy
• ID badge
• Computer access/training
• Expectations regarding timeliness, professionalism, preparedness, etc.
• Absence policy and expectations
• Current skill level and position in course progression
• Objectives and goals (provided by the faculty to guide the student’s experience)

Faculty Rotation Preparation  

Orientation Process  

• Each organization may differ regarding the orientation process for students. Please coordinate with the faculty and agency to ensure proper student orientation. On the first day of the rotation, students need to be oriented by the preceptor to the important site areas. 

Necessary Documentation  

• All documentation needed for preceptors will be handled by either the site or administration office at AIC. We recommend preceptors check their email frequently to ensure further documentation or information is not needed.  

Setting Expectations, Goals, and Objectives  

• Course and rotation objectives will be provided by faculty and should guide the student’s experience.  
• At the beginning of the rotation, the student and preceptor should sit down and discuss the objectives. The preceptor should also inquire about other goals or objectives the student has for their rotations. This information helps the preceptor plan and provides learning opportunities and student-specific instruction. 
• Preceptors should also be aware of students’ current skills and knowledge base as it pertains to the healthcare setting. Using the program plan of study and previous objectives, preceptors can understand the skills and experiences the students are already equipped with.  

Formative Evaluation Process 

A crucial role of the preceptor is being an evaluator. On the first day of the rotation, explain to the students that feedback will be provided often throughout. Providing feedback to students is necessary for their learning and growth. 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 

• AIC Preceptor Packet 

• AIC Women’s Health Student Experience Checklist