Planning and Preparation

Planning and preparation will assist in reducing stress for yourself and the Preceptee. Consider the Preceptee's background (graduate, undergraduate or re-entry etc). The following headings provide a starting point for your planning.

Rosters

Clarify what shifts/days the Preceptee can and can't do - consider reasonable requests. The Preceptee should be rostered to the same shifts/days as the Preceptor as much as practicable. Many staff work part-time, therefore the appointment of two Preceptors is acceptable in such circumstances.

Orientation

Become familiar with the placement the Preceptee will undertake. Most universities/training facilities will send a package that provides the hosting organisation with information detailing what the Preceptees have studied so far, special skills that are to be demonstrated and assessment criteria.

Overview

1. Prior to commencement, what are your expectations from the Preceptee, the university, the workplace and the organisation as a whole?
2. What strategies, if any, have you considered to manage the combination of your workload and the Preceptee's supervision and teaching.
3. What are the important aspects of the dress code? What will you do if the Preceptee present in inappropriate attire?
4. How will you orientate the Preceptee?
5. Do you expect the Preceptee to take a workload during the clinical? If so, how will you implement this?
6. If the Preceptee does not take a workload, how will you plan each shift/day? Will the Preceptee work with you, watch you, or observe procedures?
7. What areas of competence would you expect the Preceptee to achieve?
8. How will you collect support evidence for your assessment of the Preceptee? Consider this in the context of 2 week, 4 week and 8 week blocks.
9. How and when are you going to provide feedback?
10. What will be your main focus?
    • Basic task/skills
    • Time management/priority setting
    • Documentation/communication
    • More complex tasks/skills specific to your area
    • Consider these questions in the context of the variety of staff that you are likely to Preceptor. How will you change your planning?
11. What combination of Preceptoring styles will be appropriate?