Preceptors

Nursing preceptors are the unsung heroes of healthcare education,
dedicating their time and experience to mold the next generation of nurses.

As teachers, experts, specialists, and mentors, our preceptors provide learning experiences outside the standard classroom.

Preceptors allow student nurses a glimpse into the daily life of a health care provider. They assist students in the application of their knowledge and skills in direct patient care and other practice settings. Whether in outpatient or inpatient hospital units, community health agencies, clinics, or schools, preceptors are active teachers of the hands-on experiences student nurses need.

We welcome preceptors from all healthcare settings. Our clinical coordinators will work with you to determine what precepting experiences best meet your needs.

800

Preceptors in the state of Iowa

~ 60,000

Precepted hours per year

Why precept?

I precept because I want to make sure that the art and science of nursing is passed on to those who are coming up next, and because it helps me examine my practice closely to be sure I am practicing evidence based medicine and not falling into the trap of doing something because it’s the way I’ve always done it. And finally, I note that I always learn more than I teach because it is so fun to stay connected to a learning environment!!

- Mary O’Connor, ARNP, Zearing, IA

Student impact

During my time spent with my preceptor at On with Life, my perspective of community and public health nursing has been greatly impacted! Ashley took the time to make sure our experience was everything and more. She gave us hands on experience, along with a huge educational increase on neurological rehabilitation. This showed me a different side of nursing and I am so thankful for the opportunity I had!

- Karlee Ahrenholtz, RN-BSN student

Available preceptor benefits*

Annual Graduate Preceptor Conference (free CEs)
Invitation to preceptor appreciation events
Letters of reference upon request
Certificates of appreciation

Qualified preceptors may be eligible to become adjunct faculty, which includes access to the Hardin Health Sciences Library and UpToDate.

*Available benefits depend on individual precepting parameters

Notable Preceptor Award

Established in 2023, the annual Notable Preceptor Award recognizes exceptional preceptors who model and encourage critical thinking, compassion, curiosity, and motivation; who are knowledgeable; and who have a lasting impact on student learning.

Above: 2023 Notable Preceptor Award recipient Zach Hennes, right, with his spring 2023 senior internship student Sarah Hodgen.