Most important to the orientation of new staff at the University of Kentucky Hospital is the Preceptorship Program offered by Nursing Staff Development. The goal of the Preceptor Program is to optimize the initial orientation of new hires to promote ongoing professional development. Prior to becoming a preceptor, RN Nursing staff are required to take a 4 hour Preceptor Workshop. This workshop is offered several times throughout the year and is designed to offer a structured educational experience for the preceptor to develop competence in precepting and to assist with improving the communication between all partners committed to a well-structured preceptorship. The preceptorship team is led by the Staff Development Specialist (SDS) and is composed of the Preceptor, the Preceptee and the Patient Care Manager (PCM).

To become a preceptor, the following criteria have been established for selection:

• Desire to be a preceptor.
• Recommended by the Staff Development Specialist and agreed upon by Patient Care Manager.
• Demonstrated evidence of ability to serve as role model, teacher, coach, and advocate.
• Above average performance review.
• Agree to precept for entire orientation per unit specific protocol.
• Attend preceptor workshop.

The Preceptor assumes the role as teacher, coach, role model and advocate. It is also the Preceptor’s role to socialize the new nurse into the culture of Nursing at UK Hospital. Best defined, the Preceptor becomes a specialist who gives special training and guidance to an inexperienced or experienced person who is new to the UK Hospital Nursing setting.

Preceptorship is a pathway to leadership development and fosters nursing excellence for the UK Hospital. For more information, contact Nursing Staff Development at 257-1658.