PHMNP programs urgently need preceptors.
AAPPN encourages its members to share their clinical expertise and mentor the next generation of practitioners.
As a licensed advanced practice psychiatric nurse practitioner, you no doubt remember how important your preceptor was to your education and training.
Making the decision to become a preceptor and squeeze extra time out of your already packed schedule is not an easy one. But there are many reasons to precept.
When I think about precepting a PMHNP student, I often recall the amazing mentoring I was fortunate to experience. In many ways, I feel it’s my duty to fill that role when I can which tends to be more of a gift than anything. Precepting allows discussion, explores new ideas, and reinforces the “why” we do what we do. Please consider precepting a future colleague, we need you!
Lisa Vickers
The Intangible Benefits of Being a Preceptor
Time and again, preceptors cite personal satisfaction and the desire to “give back” to current students to repay those who invested in their education as their reason to precept.
Preceptors are role models who can teach, nurture, and create nurse practitioners who will, in turn, improve access and quality of care to the communities where we live.
Precepting can keep you inspired and invigorated to stay up to date on your clinical skills and knowledge.
Preceptors can also learn from the students they precept sharing their life experiences and perspectives.
My experience with precepting newly licensed and student nurses goes back to the start of my career, nearly 30 years now. This natural extension of the nurse role extends far beyond a sense of duty to the next generation of nurses – it has evolved into a unique collaborative learning experience. We are never too old or too experienced to gain new insights, tools, resources or networks. Students represent hope for the future of the profession. I am deeply honored to participate in their learning, and grateful for the gift of learning in exchange.
Beth Bielstein
The Concrete Benefits of Being a Preceptor
By connecting with skilled faculty as a preceptor, you can enhance your relationship with the university.
Many academic institutions offer their preceptors tuition discounts, free continuing education opportunities, and access to libraries and other university resources and facilities.
You may be eligible to receive financial assistance through the Washington State Nurse Preceptor Grant.
You can receive CE credits that can be used for ANCC recertification.
You can build your clinical site’s workforce.
Interested in Becoming a Preceptor?
Contact your alma mater or any of the PMHNP programs in Washington State. You can find a list of programs with approved clinical sites in Washington State on the Washington State Board of Nursing website.
For resources and tools for becoming a preceptor, check out AAPPN’s Information for Preceptors section in our Resource Library.
What is AAPPN’s Role in the Preceptor Relationship?
For potential preceptors: AAPPN works with the academic programs in Washington State to encourage practitioners to consider becoming a preceptor. We help provide resources, and we advocate in the state legislature to help make the precepting process beneficial for preceptors and students.
For students: Academic programs in Washington State are responsible for matching students with preceptors. AAPPN encourages students to work with their programs to ensure the best precepting experience possible. We also work with the academic programs to assist them as we can within the parameters of the precepting rules in our state.
Thank you for considering becoming a preceptor for the next generation of advanced practice psychiatric nurse practitioners!