Preceptor/Student Relationship

Navigating the preceptor/student relationship can be challenging as you encounter students with various personalities, experiences and work ethics. Your goal is to maximize learning for each individual. Duke University School of Nursing preceptors reports that working with students is a rewarding experience. Our school attracts some of the best and brightest students from all over the nation, and our students are typically eager to learn and quite astute.

Tips for Dealing with an Overconfident Student

Many of our students have been nurses for many years and some may transition into the Nurse Practitioner (NP) student role with overconfidence. This overconfidence can lead them to become confrontational or difficult. When working with an obstinate student, try the following:

• Refuse to escalate the confrontation. Stay calm and professional.
• Identify and state objective facts that support your position.
• Find a common goal on which you can agree.
• Actively listen to their response.
• When exiting the conversation, agree on a plan.

Watch this video created by the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties to see examples of how-to and how not to handle an overconfident student.