The Role of Nurse Educator in the Management of Nursing Faculty

The Role of Nurse Educator in the Management of Nursing Faculty

Introduction

Preceptor is defined as an instructor or a teacher. A preceptor is an expert, usually a staff nurse, who inspires, counsel, provides direction and guidance, serves as a role model, provides support for development and growth of the novice for a preset and limited time period, with the purpose of socializing the beginners into the role (Morrow, 1984). There must be synchronization between the role performed by the faculty, preceptor, and the student for attaining the best possible outcome and advanced learning. The expectation from the student is to have strive for learning; the faculty is anticipated to analyze the needs of students and orchestrate a preceptor-ship environment of learning, which is consistent with the goals of the program and then assess the performance of students; and expectations from preceptor is to give routine clinical teachings; however, expectations of clinical practice should be met. It is not easy for any of the parties to meet the expectations to the triumph. A guide related to the orientation and development of the preceptor is imperative for facilitating in the selection of suitable preceptor and assisting students in successfully achieving their professional objectives. A preceptor should pose a pool of knowledge within them, should be the one to support the beginners at every step, and should shed adequate time to precept for enabling an environment of effective and useful learning.

Discussion

Preceptor's Requirement

A preceptor should pose competency and adequate knowledge to assist in applying theoretical knowledge in practice.

A preceptor should be a first level registered nurse.

A preceptor should qualify as being an appropriate role model for nurses that are newly qualified. A preceptor should have undertaken particular training of preceptor-ship and should be familiar with the goal setting, supports, evaluation, and action planning.

A preceptor should be able to comprehend the application and integration of prior practices into different new and diversified areas, and in addition should pose ability to assist the beginners in the process.

A preceptor should exhibit skills in decision making, problem solving, accountability, and delegation (Morrow, 1984).

Qualities of Preceptor

It is essential for every instructor or teacher to posse skills and qualities that would assure the adequate and effective learning of the learners. So is the case with the preceptors that they should pose certain qualities to make them effective mentors. These are the following qualities of a good preceptor:

New students should be welcomed into the new unit and introduced to staff members in a manner that would ease them to the new environment.

Relation of trust should be developed between the preceptor and new nurses by listening to their concerns and sharing information to ease their problems. Friendly atmosphere should be created for learning rather than creating an environment of apprehension and stress.

Adherence should be made towards what students wish to learn rather than teaching what a preceptor wishes to teach.

It is essential for a preceptor to ...