Preceptor Resources

For most clinical courses, preceptors and students are expected to complete at least one or more evaluations. More detailed instructions about the evaluation process will be sent directly to preceptors.

Clinical attendance is mandatory, and students are expected to demonstrate professionalism. If for any reason a student is unable to participate in a clinical session or will be arriving late, the student must notify the preceptor as far in advance as possible in addition to the Program Coordinator, the faculty site visitor or faculty liaison. Preceptors are encouraged to contact the Program Coordinator, course instructor, faculty site visitor or faculty liaison at any time during the rotation to address concerns about student performance or consult about teaching methods.

Many clinical courses require at least one site visit by a faculty member during the rotation to observe the student’s performance and to discuss pertinent learning issues with the preceptor. The visit will include observation of the student with clients, review of the case logs and self-evaluation tools and consultation with the preceptor. The appointment will be scheduled with the student who will notify the preceptor once a date has been confirmed. A typical site visit will last approximately four hours. Every effort is made to ensure the visit does not disrupt practice operations.

The College of Nursing utilizes a specialized database management system to track patients seen by the student and allow faculty and preceptors to monitor the student’s progress during the term.  Preceptors will be assigned a secure user account as well as provided log in instructions prior to the start of the rotation.

The data collected on patient encounters includes age, sex, race, insurance, diagnosis, time spent with the patient, and medications. Students do not enter patient names, ID numbers or other identifying data that would violate the privacy of the patient. In addition, students enter ICD-10 and procedure codes, which offer them real experience with billing and coding. 

The Typhon Time Log tool is used by students to track their clinical rotation shift hours. Preceptors are able to view their students’ Time Log entries to determine the number of hours students have worked with them. Preceptors also can access detailed reports of the student’s patient encounters if the student entered them as the preceptor. There are two types of reports available: Case Log Details and Case Log Highlights.

EASI (Evaluation And Survey Instrument) is Typhon Group’s online module for completing evaluations. Most of the graduate programs utilize EASI for preceptor student evaluations. An email will be sent to preceptors that provides a link to the evaluation form along with instructions.

For more information about the system or to request a demonstration, please contact UNM-CON-Clinical-Affairs@salud.unm.edu.

EMR privileges for students are determined by the clinical sites. The College of Nursing does not endorse students using their preceptors’ log-ins. Students are required to use the course’s template to document at least two patient visits per day (leaving out identifying data), which the site visitor or faculty liaison reviews to assess their charting skills. The preceptor is encouraged to look over the notes with the student as well. If students do not have access to EMR, then they should use the form provided by the course for all documentation. 

The CON encourages their clinical instructors to become familiar with FERPA’s provisions and their responsibility to protect the confidentiality of student education records. The UNM Office of the Registrar offers an online manual that covers all aspects of federal law.

In accordance with FERPA policy, preceptors should use a secure email when sending evaluations and other correspondence about student performance. Communication also can be sent to the CON’s secure fax address at (505) 272-5280. Please be sure to attach a cover page when faxing.

FERPA Information

Students are encouraged to present preceptors with a copy of their CV at the beginning of the rotation.  Preceptors can also view an electronic version of the CV in Typhon.  For instructions, please refer to the CV viewing handout.

Prior to the start of the clinical experience, the College of Nursing will prepare an affiliation agreement with the facility. Students are expected to meet both the College of Nursing’s as well as the site’s compliance requirements. If requirements are not stated, students are directed to check with their preceptors.

Clinics who would like to notify their patients that a learner is on-site for a clinical rotation can print out this flyer to post or distribute in the clinic.

Download Flyer

Preceptors are eligible for a Volunteer Adjunct Faculty appointment in recognition of their service. An explanation of the benefits associated with the appointment can be found on the Benefits Request form. The form is also uploaded in Typhon School Documents.  Preceptors who would like to participate or renew their benefits should submit a completed form and their CV to UNM-CON-Clinical-Affairs@salud.unm.edu.

In addition, the College of Nursing periodically holds in-person as well as virtual professional development workshops for preceptors that cover a variety of themes, including preceptor skills, cultural perspectives, and clinical topics. Free CME’s are available for those who participate.

The College of Nursing’s accrediting agencies require specific data about its preceptors and clinical sites in order to ensure clinical placements are providing appropriate learning experiences for the students. Preceptors can help the CON fulfill its obligations by completing and submitting this Data Form.