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Sunday, November 1, 2009: 11:20 AM
Learning Objective 1: Describe the purpose of a web-based program for developing Clinical Nurse Specialist preceptors.
Learning Objective 2: Identify the technical and structural elements of a continuing education program for CNS preceptors for application to CNS or other advanced practice programs.
Supervised experiences support students in acquiring clinical nurse specialist (CNS) core practice competencies by applying learning to a selected specialty population. National guidelines for CNS education recommend a minimum of 500 clock hours of CNS-supervised clinical practice. CNSs serve as preceptors and are matched to student specialty interests. In traditional educational models, CNS preceptors are available in locally defined geographic areas and close faculty involvement helps preceptors develop skills in working with students. Distance accessible programs using distributive education methods rely on preceptors at distant sites to provide student clinical supervision. New options are needed for developing skills in preceptors at distant locations. Developing Your Skills as a Clinical Nurse Specialist Preceptor is a web-based continuing education program designed to introduce CNS preceptors to general principles underpinning clinical teaching and to provide guidelines for serving as a CNS preceptor. It is specific to CNS student precepting but not limited to a particular setting, population, or practice focus. Learning objectives for the program are 1) describe the responsibilities of a CNS preceptor; 2) describe strategies to facilitate CNS core practice competencies in a clinical setting; 3) describe characteristics of an adult learner, and; 4) describe the process of clinical evaluation for CNS students. Learning activities throughout the course provide opportunities for preceptors to apply concepts through interactive activities. A recorded Podcast imbedded in the web-based program allows participants to listen to a discussion between experienced CNS preceptors and faculty. To receive continuing education credits, preceptors complete a post-test and a course evaluation. Faculty and experienced CNS preceptors reviewed the program before it was launched; modifications were made based on feedback. Learner feedback to date is positive. This innovative forward thinking approach to developing CNS preceptors helps assure high quality clinical experiences for graduate students.