Preceptor FAQs
The Duke University School of Nursing is recognized as the top graduate nursing program in the nation. We attract first-rate students from around the world and are known for our exceptional clinical courses and superior preceptors.
The Communities of Practice exist to support the Duke University School of Nursing's primary care preceptors. We actively seek ways to recruit, support and retain clinical preceptors that are willing to uphold the standard of excellence expected of the Duke University School of Nursing partner.
If you are interested in finding out more information about precepting other types of students at Duke University School of Nursing, please explore the preceptor page.
What will I gain from precepting?
In addition to gaining the satisfaction of giving back and contributing to the medical community as an essential part of the academic-practice partnership, you will also see benefits to your practice and professional growth as you may gain adjunct faculty member status at an academic institution. You will also gain access to resources and may be able to fulfill licensing or recertification requirements.
The following are a few FAQs about precepting. For a comprehensive list of questions and answers, review this list compiled by The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties.
FAQs About Precepting Duke Students
The following questions and answers are specific to the Duke University School of Nursing preceptor program. What is expected of me as a preceptor?
Preceptors are expected to:
- Demonstrate health care professional responsibilities and behaviors
- Explain clinical reasoning
- Model professional interactions
- Design learning experiences and patient care assignments
- Assess student progress
- Provide feedback on performance
Do I get paid for precepting?
In general, we do not pay preceptors for training students. Rather than monetary payment, the CoP is dedicated to supporting preceptors and providing other opportunities
What do I do if a student is not meeting expectations?
Please contact the course faculty immediately if you notice that a student is not performing as expected based on program progression.
How do I know what a student should be able to do at this point in their program?
Students may be early in their program with little clinical experience or they may be closer to graduation. At the beginning of the semester, you will receive information about what course the student is in and what the course objectives are which will serve as a guide for the student.
If I agree to precept, do I have to precept a student every semester?
There are no requirements beyond your initial contract. While we value every opportunity you can provide, many preceptors will take students some semesters but not all, during the year.
How many hours will I need to precept and how long will it take?
The commitment varies and is dependent on the course. You will precept for one to four days a week (totaling 50-350 hours a semester).
Who provides malpractice insurance?
A copy of the practice certificate of insurance (COI) is needed before the preceptor assignment. The School of Nursing will provide appropriate malpractice insurance for each student placed by Duke.
How are students screened?
Background checks, drug screens, and immunization verifications are conducted on all Duke Nursing students.
What happens if I need to contact someone at Duke about a student?
Nurse Practitioner faculty member’s names and contact information will be provided at the time of the preceptor assignment.
How will I know what to focus on with students?
Each student will have standard course objectives in addition to individualized student objectives that will be shared with the preceptor when the clinical experience starts.
Does the preceptor grade or evaluate the student?
The preceptor will complete a student performance evaluation form. This evaluation contributes to the overall grade the student receives.