Welcome RN Refresher Clinical Preceptors

Thank you for your support of the clinical component of the RN Refresher Online Course. If you have questions about the resources or processes listed on this page, please contact:

Diane Beatty, RN, Program Coordinator
University of Delaware RN Refresher Online Course
Email: dmbeatty@udel.edu | Phone: 302-831-1255

PRECEPTOR ROLE

This web site provides information for nurses who have agreed to assume the role of preceptor for RNs enrolled in the University of Delaware RN Refresher Course. The clinical component of the RN Refresher Course requires 80 hours of supervised clinical practice to take place in the participant’s state of licensure. It is the participant’s responsibility to identify an acute care clinical setting in their local area in which they wish to complete their practice hours. Both the institution and preceptor are subject to approval by the University of Delaware coordinator at least 6 weeks prior to starting clinical hours. Please read the information below which contains:

• Preceptor Clinical Criteria
  • Preceptor Role
  • Healthcare Institution Responsibilities
  • Learner Responsibilities
  • Faculty (Course Coordinator) Responsibilities
• Sentinel Events
• Preceptor Forms
• Preceptor FAQ

Note: The didactic and clinical component must be completed within a 6-month period. Only RNs who have successfully completed the didactic component are eligible to proceed to the clinical component. Clinical shifts for students are not to exceed 12 hours/day.

PRECEPTOR CLINICAL CRITERIA

The Preceptor shall:

• have a minimum of a BSN degree.
• serve as a role model for the learner (RN Refresher student) in the clinical area (hours to be arranged between preceptor and student; preceptor must be present at all times student is in the clinical area).
• provide the learner with guidance for meeting clinical objectives.
• provide evaluation of the learner’s progress to the faculty (course coordinator)
• agree to be evaluated on the preceptorship by the learner

The Health Care Institution shall:

• approve an appropriate staff member to act as the clinical preceptor.
• promote a desirable learning climate.
• provide information to faculty (course coordinator) and learner about the agency’s policies and procedures.
• approve a letter of agreement/contract between the institution and the University of Delaware for the provision of the clinical learning experience.

The Learner shall:

• assume accountability for identifying own clinical site and preceptor based on established criteria (including timely submission of required clinical data forms).
• assume an active role in planning the clinical experience (including timely submission of required clinical data forms).
• complete required drug test and background check prior to starting the clinical component of the course.
• complete and return all required clinical documentation to the Division of Special Programs.
• complete all assignments.
• be knowledgeable of the expectations delineated in the clinical evaluation tool.
• complete all evaluation forms (didactic, preceptor, outcomes).

The Faculty (Course Coordinator) shall:

• clarify educational objectives to be achieved during the practicum.
• communicate with the preceptor as needed to discuss the clinical learning experiences.
• discuss the progress of the learner with the preceptor as needed.
• provide preceptor and health agency with appropriate contact information.

SENTINEL EVENTS

In the case of a sentinel event occurring during the student’s clinical rotation, contact:

• Stephanie McClellan, Course Director, via cell phone at 302-399-4641
  
• Other questions or concerns should be discussed with University of Delaware, Division of Professional and Continuing Studies staff via phone 302-831-1255 during UD normal hours of operation (8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Eastern time).

PRECEPTOR FORMS

The following forms/documentation must be completed and mailed by the preceptor. Forms will be provided by student.

• Procedures to be performed or observed
• Documentation of clinical hours
• Preceptor’s evaluation of student’s clinical competency

The University of Delaware is closed on the following holidays and therefore no clinical hours can be scheduled on these days:

• Martin Luther King Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day (July 4th)
• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving (Thursday and Friday)
• Christmas through New Years holiday break

Students’ clinical shifts are not to exceed 12 hours/day.

Please mail all forms to:

University of Delaware
Division of Professional and Continuing Studies
501 S. College Ave.
Newark, DE 19716

PRECEPTOR FAQ

When may the RN begin the clinical experience?

No one should be permitted in the clinical setting until an e-mail approval has been received by your institutional representative.  The UD Division of Professional and Continuing Studies must have copies of all required documentation (immunization and CPR data, background/drug testing if required by your institution, etc.) from the student which must include the name and credentials of the institutional proctor.

Can AD nurses serve as preceptors?

All preceptors must be BSN nurses.  This is the UD policy for all nurse preceptors including the RN Refresher Course.

Do the RNs have to complete all of the procedures listed on the Procedures to be Performed or Observed by the Student During Clinical Cycle of the Course form?

No, but we expect that the majority (75% or more) will be completed.  Exceptions should be noted by the preceptor on the form itself.  For example, perhaps peritoneal dialysis is not available at your site.  A short notation on the sheet would indicate this.

Can RNs be assigned to specialty units?

In order to meet the clinical requirements, most of their time should be spent on general medical/surgical units.

Are preceptors compensated financially for their services?

No, but we hope that the reward of mentoring a colleague who will return to active practice is a reward in itself. We appreciate your commitment and participation in this endeavor. You’ll receive a certificate and small token of appreciation at the conclusion of the experience.

For more information

If you have questions about the resources or processes listed on this page, please contact:

Diane Beatty, RN, Program Coordinator
University of Delaware RN Refresher Online Course
Email: dmbeatty@udel.edu | Phone: 302-831-1255