Graduate Clinical Preceptors

Preceptors are only used in the graduate program. The clinical preceptorship is a clinical experience that allows students the opportunity to apply knowledge gained in the didactic portion of the program to patient care management or educational setting. Practice in the clinical setting provides Pittsburg State students with the opportunity to observe and actively participate in the delivery of healthcare and to incorporate advanced practice concepts. Preceptors actively practicing in clinical settings are qualified to facilitate the development of students in the advance practice role.

Graduate Clinical Preceptors

Preceptors are only used in the graduate nursing programs. The clinical preceptorship is a clinical experience that allows students the opportunity to apply knowledge gained in the didactic portion of the program to patient care management or educational setting. Practice in the clinical setting provides Pittsburg State students with the opportunity to observe and actively participate in the delivery of healthcare and to incorporate advanced practice concepts. Preceptors actively practicing in clinical settings are qualified to facilitate the development of students in the advance practice role. The clinical preceptor submits a curriculum vita which includes biographical information, professional preparation, and licensure. The preceptor’s qualifications are reviewed by the appropriate course coordinator and the Kansas State Board of Nursing.

Who can serve as a preceptor?

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN)

  • Master’s Degree in Nursing or DNP from an accredited university
  • Current RN license in state where students will engage in clinical experience
  • Authorized to practice as an APRN in the state where they practice
  • Practicing in an advanced practice nursing role
  • Experience - at least one year experience in an advanced clinical practice role
  • Area of practice must be relevant to the course objectives
  • Able to provide supervision, teaching and evaluation of students for achievement of clinical course objectives and learning needs
  • Able to facilitate active participation of students in the delivery of healthcare
  • Committed to the concepts of advanced practice nursing
  • Proof of National Board Certification

Physicians

  • Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathy from an accredited university
  • Currently licensed and practicing in the state where students engage in clinical experience
  • Area of practice must be relevant to the course objectives
  • Able to provide supervision, teaching and evaluation of students for achievement of clinical course objectives and learning needs
  • Able to facilitate active participation of students in the delivery of healthcare
  • Committed to the concepts of advanced practice nursing
  • Proof of National Board Certification
All preceptors sign contracts acknowledging willingness to serve as a preceptor. Each preceptor receives a preceptor packet which includes the mission statement, program goals and objectives, standards for advanced practice nursing, preceptor performance expectations, course syllabi and additional relevant information. Responsibility for final evaluation of the student rests with the faculty of the Irene Ransom Bradley School of Nursing.

Steps for Securing Clinical Preceptors

Starting in the first clinical practicum course, students are introduced to the steps for securing clinical preceptors. This policy is continued throughout the graduate nursing program for all clinical courses. Forms and information are available at the Graduate Clinical Preceptors website. 

  1. Discuss with a clinical preceptor (APRN, MD, or DO) who meets the requirements as a PSU Graduate Clinical Preceptor. The School of Nursing graduate nursing preceptor information and course objectives will be provided to the preceptor by the student.
  2. Submit the clinical facility and preceptor information sheet to the School of Nursing Administrative Specialist.
  3. Course faculty or the Graduate Coordinator will review and approve or reject the preceptor and facility.
  4. The Administrative Specialist sends the Irene Ransom Bradley School of Nursing Clinical Site/Preceptor Contract to the preceptor.
  5. The preceptor returns the signed contract and resume to the Irene Ransom Bradley School of Nursing.
  6. The Administrative Specialist reviews all paperwork. Once complete, the file is given to the Typhon Coordinator to enter the preceptor and site into the system. Typhon Group provides complete student tracking systems for nursing and allied health programs.
  7. The student and course faculty are notified through Canvas LMS when the preceptor and facility approvals are complete and clinical may begin.

For subsequent courses, steps 1-3 must be completed by the student. If there is already a current contract on file for the preceptor, facility and student, then proceed directly to Step 6.

Preceptor evaluations of students are completed at the conclusion of each clinical course and must be on file at the School of Nursing (on paper or online via Typhon) prior to grades being submitted to the Registrar. The evaluations are reviewed by the course faculty at the conclusion of each course and yearly by the graduate committee. Faculty complete Preceptor/Facility evaluations at each site visit during clinical courses. Students evaluate the preceptors and facilities at the conclusion of every clinical practicum course.

Board & association links

State Boards of Nursing

Professional Associations

Contact Us

Dr. Jennifer Harris
Irene Ransom Bradley School of Nursing
106 McPherson Hall
Pittsburg State University

Elizabeth Middendorf
Administrative Associate
Irene Ransom Bradley School of Nursing
101 McPherson Hall
Pittsburg State University
Phone: 620-235-4431

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