FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
(The "What Ifs")

1. What if I want to be a preceptor?
   Texas licensed RNs meeting the Texas Board of Nursing (TBON) criteria will be considered as part of the applicant pool. An agreement between your employer and Central Texas College must be in place.
2. What if I am unfamiliar with the role of a preceptor?
   The modules contained in this online program at www.med.unc.edu/epic will guide and direct you through the preceptor process. You must first register for the program on that site.
3. What if I am an applicant? How are preceptors selected?
   Preceptors will be selected from those applicants successfully completing the Preceptorship Program and submitting the required documentation. The applicant will be matched to meet the learning objectives of the course in which the nursing student is enrolled. The applicant’s employer will have input in the selection process.
4. What if I obtain my certification of completion for the Preceptorship Program?
   Upon satisfactory completion of the program, you will become part of the preceptor applicant pool.
5. What if I want a salary?
   There is no financial reimbursement from the college. However, check with your employer as they may be providing benefits such as shift differential or a stipend. Incentives such as professional development, career advancement, and the inclusion of ‘preceptor’ to your portfolio are of benefit to your nursing career.
6. What if I want to take more than two students at a time?
   TBON rules state you may take only two students at a time.
7. What if I want one student rather than two?
   That’s ok. Just inform us.
8. What if I decide after a few days that precepting a student is not for me?
   Please contact your assigned clinical professor.
9. What if I’m ill or become ill during my work hours or have to leave due to an emergency or my work schedule changes abruptly?
   Call your assigned clinical professor. Plans will be made for the student to be assigned another date and time.
10. What if there are no patients available to meet the clinical objectives or the assignment?
    Please contact your assigned clinical professor immediately.
11. What if a personal conflict arises between me and the student?
    Call your assigned clinical professor immediately. Our goal is to have a respectful and congenial relationship between you and your student.
12. What if I want the student to practice a particular skill?
    Complete the “Return to Lab” form (will be given to you with other course materials) and contact your assigned clinical professor.
13. What if the student makes an error? What do I do?
    Immediately ensure the safety and well-being of the patient/client and then notify your assigned clinical professor. Ensure that you follow all agency policies and procedures as well as the TBON and CTC’s for reporting and followup.
14. What if I have a question about the awarding of points for the day on the clinical evaluation tool?
    Please keep anecdotal notes and discuss these events/situations/incidents with your assigned clinical professor.
15. What if other students are on the unit while I am precepting?
    Every effort will be made to avoid assigning a precepted student to a preceptor during the time in which other students are assigned to the unit on which the preceptor is employed.