Utilizing Evidence-Based Precepting Strategies to Facilitate FNP Student Development

Abstract

Clinical rotations are an essential component of the preparation of Nurse Practitioner (NP) students allowing the application of didactic knowledge in the clinical setting. As NP programs continue to grow, two main problems have surfaced. First is the lack of willing preceptors, and the second is the lack of preceptor preparation. The purpose of this project is to provide additional preceptor orientation to engage the preceptor in student growth and development and increase preceptor retainment. The foundation of the education was 3 precepting methods that have been studied and shown to increase preceptor and student engagement and improve student growth in critical thinking skills. Using these techniques will empower the preceptor to better engage in student development, provide more beneficial formative evaluation, feel more confident in the preceptor role, and be more engaged in student development. Findings showed that most preceptors are willing to engage in education that is easy to access and concise. The use of evidence-based precepting tools can facilitate more frequent formative evaluation and student growth in critical thinking skills.