Collaborating for excellence in leadership education
The roles of the preceptor, student and faculty member are distinct yet interconnected, each playing a crucial part in the leadership education process. Understanding these roles helps ensure a successful and enriching experience for everyone involved.
The preceptor guides the student in the practical application of leadership knowledge and the use of evidence-based decision making and critical thinking. The preceptor provides opportunities for the student to engage in collaborations with the interprofessional team to promote patient-centered and strategic outcomes.
Preceptors should:
Review the student’s personal and leadership goals and discuss how to achieve them
Discuss how the student will schedule practicum hours with the preceptor
Share two-way communication expectations
Provide student opportunities for interprofessional collaborations
Engage the student in receiving and providing feedback and reflection
The student integrates the roles, responsibilities and decision making inherent in the leadership role through active participation in the precepted experience.
Students should:
Complete onboarding or orientation for the assigned work area
Review their personal and leadership goals with the preceptor
Schedule practicum hours with the preceptor per an agreed upon method
Share two-way communication expectations and report any concerns to the preceptor and/or course faculty
Engage in interprofessional collaborations
Remain open to inquiry and reflective of feedback
VCU Policies for Student Conduct
Students are required to abide by all VCU policies, including the University Honor System, student dress code and student behavior policy in instructional settings. The School of Nursing expects students to consistently present, through appearance and attire, a positive public image of both nursing and the VCU School of Nursing. General appearance should contribute to effective educational and patient care environments and reflect a high standard of comportment at all times. Regardless of attire, a VCU ID badge must be worn in all clinical or clinically related situations.
The faculty member provides oversight for the student’s educational experience and works in collaboration with the preceptor and the student to ensure the student has appropriate exposure to a specific patient population and is progressing appropriately.
Course faculty should:
Initiate contact with the preceptor and orient preceptor to the learning objectives for the student's experience
Maintain regular communication with the preceptor, and act as the first point of contact for any concerns (this may include a site visit when deemed appropriate and necessary)
Monitor student's progression including number of hours completed and written assignments
Ensure preceptor and student evaluations are completed in a timely manner
Evaluate the quality of students' leadership experiences and provide feedback to the program
Determine final grade of student
Report any unresolved issues to the concentration lead and/or program director
