By Agrippina Fadel
Some of the most meaningful lessons in nursing come from the people who teach by example.
Every semester, clinical preceptors across South Florida welcome Florida Atlantic University Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing students into their units, clinics and practices, sharing not only their clinical expertise, but also their compassion and approach to patient care. Through these experiences, students gain confidence, refine their skills, and begin to envision the kind of nurse they hope to become.
“The Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing is deeply grateful for the clinical partnerships that make these experiences possible,” said Dean Cameron G. Duncan, Ph.D., DNP. “Our students learn alongside outstanding nurses and health care professionals in settings ranging from community practices and specialty clinics to leading health systems, including Pediatric Associates, Baptist Health, HCA Healthcare, Palm Beach Health Network and Holy Cross Health. Every preceptor invests in the future of nursing, and every preceptor makes a difference.”
For Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) student Sydney, that difference came in the Intermediate Care Unit at Holy Cross Hospital, where she worked with her preceptor, Jason.
“He made a lasting impact on my clinical experience by fostering a supportive and encouraging learning environment. His patience, professionalism and dedication to teaching helped me become more comfortable and confident in my skills. Jason consistently took the time to explain concepts, involve me in patient care and make me feel valued as a student nurse.”
For fellow BSN student Joie, her clinical rotation in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit at Boca Raton Regional Hospital helped confirm where she wants to build her career.
“Entering a unit with a higher acuity than I’ve ever been previously exposed to, I was nervous about making mistakes, asking stupid questions and not understanding certain disease processes. My preceptor Mike never made me feel unintelligent and was excited to answer all of my questions. He has taught me so much and helped me build the confidence to practice my skills and communicate in interdisciplinary teams. Mike and all of the SICU staff at Boca Regional are team players and have confirmed to me that I have a true passion for the ICU.”
The connection between academic nursing and clinical practice is essential to the success of future nurses, Duncan said.
“Our faculty provide the foundation, and our preceptors help students bring that knowledge to life through real patient care. Together, they prepare graduates who are ready to enter the profession with confidence.”
Interested in becoming a clinical preceptor? Learn more about partnering with the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing to help educate and inspire the next generation of Nursing Owls at bit.ly/FAUpreceptor
Clinical preceptors may be eligible for a six-credit tuition waiver after completing 300 hours of service, receive a certificate that may be used toward nurse practitioner recertification, enroll in continuing education certificate courses, connect with Florida Atlantic faculty and explore future adjunct or clinical faculty opportunities, and be recognized through the college’s communications channels.
