A nurse preceptor is more than a counselor. Although counseling includes an ongoing relationship, the role of the nurse preceptor is temporary in the life of the person they help orient. In this situation, it is your job to act as a liaison between the new nurses in your department. You will help them better understand things like levels of care, policies and procedures. You can direct them to patients and other members of your healthcare team, making it easier for them to make a successful transition.

As a nurse practitioner, you will wear many hats: teacher, trainer, liaison, nurse, confidant, researcher and sounding board. You will help new nurses, those with no experience or students to settle in and settle into their new environment. In a perfect world, you would be their greatest asset and the reason they avoid burnout and unbearable stress.

If it sounds like the work of a nurse preceptor is useful and important, it is. You, more than anyone in your department, can help new members of your staff become successful and confident nursing professionals. It takes a kind, caring, and knowledgeable person to succeed in the nursing preceptor role, and not everyone is well qualified for this role. However, if you are one of the chosen few, your day will be more fulfilling and rewarding than you think.

How to become a nurse practitioner

You enjoy being a consultant and researcher. You like to give your opinion and feel that you can influence new nurses. Adding your nurse preceptor to your current nursing role may be a good idea for you, but where do you start? Becoming a nurse practitioner requires basic nursing training. This means you will need not only a bachelor's degree in nursing, but also a master's degree and at least one year of work experience in a hospital setting.

Tips for being a successful nurse practitioner

Your goal as a preceptor is to provide orientation that builds confidence and helps new nurses become productive colleagues. Consider the five strategies below when working with people who are committed to this cause.

1. Be objective

Do not use it yourself if your intervention is not successful. Everyone, including you, has good days and bad days, as do their strengths and weaknesses. Not all orienteers and preceptors will be a good match. If your orienteers asks for a change or if you think that it would be better suited to another preceptor style, help him to change.

2. Give praise and feedback

Your planner will make mistakes, and it's your job to point them out. But balancing criticism with praise builds a non-bullying college relationship. Be sure not only to point out mistakes when they make mistakes, but also to praise them when they do something right.

3. Know what is expected

Focused people will be happy to know exactly what is expected of them in their new role. Be sure to state the expected standards of care for your department. And, at the end of each day, take time to summarize how the change went and discuss goals for the next change.

4. Promote a healthy work-life balance

Because burnout is common in health today, teaching your candidate how to protect their mental health is important to help them work sustainably. Encourage them to enjoy outside relationships and give them advice on creating a routine that allows them to relax and do what they love. Emulate that behavior, so you can return to work refreshed and ready to lead and inspire others.

5. Set goals and responsibilities

Each design will begin with a different experience. Find out what your orienteer needs to learn to be successful. What are their strengths and weaknesses? What skills should they learn? Are they worried or afraid? By working with them to set realistic goals, you can help shape their organizational experience.

6. Ensure a good work/life balance

Most people don't want to devote their whole life to their work. Your new nurses will have spouses, partners, children and parents they will want to spend more time with. They will also have hobbies and interests outside of work. Whenever possible, encourage these people outside and ensure that your fellow nurses have enough time to spend with the people they love, doing the things they love. Anything less leads to low morale and less than ideal turnover among your new employees.

Becoming a nurse preceptor is more than just earning a degree and gaining work experience. It is also about guiding, mentoring and encouraging others. Human skills are important. Make sure yours is a challenge if you want to become a successful nursing professional.