Preceptors and volunteer clinical faculty offer students individual perspectives and hands-on experience in a variety of health care settings and specialties. The cumulative effect of what these volunteers impart plays a significant role in the care any health system delivers.
- Clinical preceptors are integral to the future of nursing.
- They volunteer their time and energy, using education and training in an effort to assure that the profession grows and thrives.
- They provide students with learning experiences that prepare them for the role of expert care provider.
- Preceptors can advance their career by becoming a UCSF volunteer faculty, participating in CE opportunities, and collaborating on projects within the School of Nursing.
- UCSF recently transitioned to a BSN Entry to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) pathway. We are excited to bring preceptors along this journey and to gain new preceptors. In this FAQ resource, we answer preceptors' questions about this transition.
- For more information, contact Clinical Placements Supervisor Tammy Ryan.
Why I Precept
What Makes a Great Preceptor?
Recognizing Our Preceptors
In honor of the critical contributions that preceptors make to advance student learning, the UCSF School of Nursing faculty are honoring one preceptor each month. The award recognizes an exceptional preceptor who consistently and effectively contributes to UCSF nursing students’ clinical education.
Hattie Clark Grundland, MS '03, RN, NP, works in the UCSF Family Health Center at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and has been a preceptor and volunteer faculty member for many years. Grundland is a graduate of the school's master's degree program and was previously a faculty member in the Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) specialty.
"Hattie is one of the most beloved preceptors in our program's history," said Miranda Surjadi, MS, RN, ANP-BC, assistant professor and co-coordinator of the AGPCNP specialty. “She embodies the very best of UCSF’s alumni — merging expert clinical care, compassionate mentorship and a deep commitment to health equity. Year after year, she inspires the next generation of clinicians through her presence, wisdom and enduring support for nurse practitioner education.”
“During my UCSF graduate program, my clinical preceptors were so fabulous,” Grundland said. “They challenged me and nurtured me and launched me into my career. As a preceptor, I'm so thrilled to provide that for the next generation of nurse practitioners.“
Mallory Dawson, current preceptee, shared, “Hattie made learning such a positive experience. She was always approachable and I felt comfortable asking questions and being myself. She gave me space to grow, encouraged my independence and highlighted my strengths. Her passion for primary care was inspiring, and the way in which she can connect with patients and build trusting relationships is something I strive to do in my own practice."
Read about other recipients of the School of Nursing Preceptor Awards.