University of Mobile School of Nursing Preceptor Information

Roles and Responsibilities
Practicum Do's and Don'ts
Student Experience Suggestions
Required Forms
DO:

• Encourage the student to have early and frequent direct contact with patients
• Clearly identify what you expect from the student as their mentor and preceptor
• Encourage the student to learn and accept guidance from other experienced staff nurses
• Individualize assignments based on learner needs and level of skill
• Offer opportunities to practice cognitive and psychomotor skills
• Offer opportunities for problem-solving, including the use of creativity
• Offer opportunities for observation
• Help the student to develop independent professional judgment and decision-making

DON'T ALLOW THE STUDENT TO:

Administer blood or blood products
• Students may observe, but they may not pick-up, prime, handle, or otherwise participate in the administration of these products
• They may not assess the IV site if blood or blood products are being administered
• They may obtain vital signs for the nurse before, during, or after the administration

Titrate IV medications
• Cardiac, pain, etc.

Independently receive provider orders
• They may call the provider or speak with the provider in person about the status of the patient, as long as a licensed nurse is present to hear the conversation from both ends (so that the nurse can legally place them in the chart with his/her name attached)

Administer chemotherapy
• Same applies as with blood and/or blood products

Administer medications or perform invasive procedures without direct supervision of preceptor
• Foley insertion, IV insertion, medication administration, sterile dressing changes, etc.

    *The above skills may not be completed by a student nurse under the Practice Act set forth by the Alabama Board of Nursing