A nursing preceptor is described as “an experienced nurse who facilitates and evaluates student learning in the real world of the clinical arena over a predetermined amount of time in addition to their regularly assigned nursing functions” (Letizia & Jennrich, 1998, p.211).  A preceptor is an experienced nurse who, in a one-to-one relationship with a student, facilitates that student’s learning.  The preceptor, student, and faculty member form a triad that works together to enhance the student’s learning.

A precepted experience  can “increase the time and consistency of the clinical experiences, heighten the intensity of experiential learning, and foster the efficacy of teaching/learning principles” (Freiburger, 2002, p. 59)   It can “prepare the students for the demands and realities of nursing practice and ease the transition to the graduate role” (Rush, Peel, & McCracken, 2004, p. 284)  If these are true, then offering a precepted experience should increase NCLEX-RN pass rates. 

This article discusses the finding of results of a survey conducted in 2002 and repeated in 2006.  Statistical analysis was completed on data to determine if offering a precepted experience had an effect on NCLEX-RN pass rates.  A second goal is to describe the steps and decision points in the implementation of a precepted course in a nursing curriculum.