FAQs

All preceptors must have and maintain an unencumbered license in the U.S. state or territory where they practice, be certified in their specialty area, have a minimum of one year practice experience as an advanced provider in their specialty, and have a signed and approved agreement with the University of Southern Indiana (USI) College of Nursing and Health Professions to serve as a preceptor for Graduate Nursing Students.

Yes, if other licensed practitioners have the opportunity to precept the student in the office or facility of the primary preceptor, an additional Preceptor Agreement form must be completed and approved by USI before the experience begins.

Yes, students may participate as observers without a preceptor agreement. However, they may not assess patients or implement care plans, and observation hours do not count toward the required direct patient clinical hours.

Orientation to the routine of the agency and introduction to the staff benefits both the student and the preceptor. Students are encouraged to request 8 hours of observation experience with the preceptor before they start seeing patients more independently.

No, students should not use clinical sites for workplace orientation.

The number of hours a student needs at a clinical site varies based on the preceptor agreement and the type of experience required. The student will inform the preceptor about the expected number of hours for their program.

Students are expected to progressively develop competence in taking histories, performing physicals, identifying diagnoses with appropriate differentials, and creating treatment plans. The preceptor must be physically present in the clinical facility during this process and should allow the student to assess the patient independently, report findings, and propose a care plan. The preceptor will verify the findings and either agree with or revise the plan.

This depends on the clinical site’s policy. Regardless, documentation for every patient managed by the student must be entered in a third-party repository, respecting HIPAA regulations.

The method of documenting care varies by setting. Regardless of the format, students must accurately document each patient encounter in the third-party clinical repository. Preceptors must review and co-sign the student’s entries where applicable. If a preceptor only signs the student’s entry, it indicates that the entire client visit was observed and approved without changes.

Any procedure (e.g., suturing, central line placement, intubation) performed by the student must be done under the direct supervision of a privileged clinical preceptor. Students must adhere to institutional policies and the Scope of Practice for their assigned state regarding approved procedures.

No, preceptors are not covered by the University of Southern Indiana’s malpractice insurance. However, students are covered under this insurance while functioning in the role of an advanced practice nurse.

Any percutaneous or mucous membrane exposure must be reported to the institution following its protocol and to nursing faculty immediately after emergency procedures. Faculty will complete the necessary USI documentation as required by policy.