Graduate Resources
Preceptor Role Guidelines
The preceptor’s role includes those of a coach, teacher, facilitator, resource person, and evaluator.
Preceptor Package
Please read the Learner and Preceptor Information Package 2013 (PDF) useful information in assist you in becoming familiar with our faculty, MN (NP Field) Degree and PMNP Diploma Programs.
Clinical Rotation
Prior to the Beginning of the Clinical Rotation:
- Meet with the learner to discuss the clinical experience
- Review the learning plan with her/him
- Assist the learner to identify strategies for achieving learning objectives
During the Clinical Rotation:
- Facilitate learner’s introduction to the clinical setting
- Act as a clinical expert and role model sharing experiences and knowledge
- Provide clinical supervision and consultation to the learner during clinical experience
- Meet with the learner regularly to discuss progress towards achievement of learning objectives
- Provide learner with feedback on patient assessment, clinical decision-making, communication of findings and written documentation
- Inform the faculty advisor of any problems arising from the learner placement
After Completion of the Clinical Rotation:
- Review the learning objectives with the learner to determine if successfully achieved
- Discuss evaluation of performance with the student and complete the Learner Evaluation Checklist
- Discuss evaluation of performance with the faculty member if necessary
NP Clinical Evaluation Components
NUR1101 and NUR1102 Clinical Competency Evaluation (PDF)
NUR1110 Clinical Competency Evaluation (PDF)
NUR1115 Clinical Competency Evaluation (PDF)
NUR1116 Clinical Competency Evaluation (PDF)
NUR1117 Clinical Competency Evaluation (PDF)Immunization and other clinical form can be found through this page:
Student FormAdvanced Practice Nurse Advisor
Before the experience:
- Meet with the learner to discuss learning plan and objectives.
- Discuss meeting time availability biweekly and as necessary.
During the experience:
- Provide feedback and share ideas of strategies to meet learning objectives.
- Act as a mentor, sharing experiences and knowledge related to the Advanced Practice Nurse role.
- Share resources and connect the learner to professional and evidence-based supports.
- Explore, challenge and support the practice of the learner in discussions.
- Provide a safe place for the learner to analyze situations, reflect on impressions and express ideas about professional nursing practice.
- Discuss nursing concerns, issues and strategies for improving care delivery.
- Provide feedback to the learner in order to facilitate building confidence, strengthening of practice and validation of the learner’s worth as a future ACNP.
- Guided by the course evaluation tool, provide feedback about aspects of the learner’s practice known to the APN advisor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the preceptors in this program?
There are over 400 experienced practitioners involved in clinical learning experiences. These practitioners are nurses with a graduate degree practicing as an Advanced Practice Nurse or a physician. Current and potential preceptors include 210 Nurse Practitioners, 35 Clinical Nurse Specialists and 115 physicians.
How are the preceptors selected?
Learners, faculty members, practising professionals themselves, and health-care facilities identify potential preceptors. Information about a potential preceptor’s place of work, areas of practice and interests is recorded. The learner discusses potential preceptors with a faculty member and if requested, faculty suggest potential preceptors to the learner. A learner is required to discuss specific learning goals with any potential preceptor so that both parties can determine if the learning goals are attainable. The potential preceptor decides with each learner whether the area of practice can facilitate the learner’s goals. The potential preceptor decides whether he/she has time for a teaching commitment.
What is the role of the preceptor?
A preceptor is an experienced practitioner who teaches, counsels and acts as a role model for a learner in a formalized structure for a specific period. The preceptor works with a learner so that he/she may learn, experience and practice in an environment that is supportive and safe for both learner and clients. The preceptor is the primary person supporting, supervising and evaluating the learner, but it is important to realize that a clinical experience is an extension of learning in course seminars and independent learning activities. Guidelines for preceptor role and responsibilities are in the Preceptor Role section.
What is a learning plan?
The learner develops a learning plan that explicitly states her/his objectives and goals for the course. The learning plan is used as a guide to plan and eventually evaluate clinical experiences and performance. Guidelines for the development and use of a learning plan are in the section specific to Learning Plans.
How do I find out about a specific course?
Program goals and courses in the MN-NP stream and Post-Master’s NP Diploma are outlined under the Academic section of this website. The courses with a clinical component are NUR 1115/1116Y and NUR 1110Y.
Do NP learners have insurance coverage?
During clinical placements, the NP learner has the protection of the University of Toronto’s Comprehensive General Liability insurance policy. The Ministry of Education Work/Education Placement Agreement under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Coverage Act covers each learner’s clinical placement.
Whom do I call if I have concerns about a learner?
If you are concerned about a learner’s performance, you are encouraged to call the faculty listed for the specific course.