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.
Shawna Ward, MSN, APRN, CPNP-AC, is a pediatric critical care nurse practitioner at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland. “Shawna has consistently demonstrated support for pediatric nurse practitioner acute care (PNP-AC) education and training. She is always willing to provide guest lectures on critical care topics, and she receives exemplary student feedback,” says Brittany Christiansen, PhD, DNP, CPNP-AC, associate professor and PNP-AC specialty coordinator. “Shawna's valuable contributions enhance the education and training for our students.”
“I enjoy teaching and supporting the next generation of nurses and nurse practitioners, Ward says. “My hope is that I can have a positive impact on their lives and their careers moving forward.” She adds, “I work hard and I play hard. When I am not at work or home with my husband and dog, I am out on a hiking trail or traveling with my husband. I feel that a good work-life balance is key to avoiding burnout and managing the stress of working with critically ill children.”
Preceptee Alice Johnson notes, “Shawna was the first ever NP to work in the Oakland PICU and she quickly demonstrated to the PICU attendings how valuable an NP can be on the team. Shawna demonstrates all the qualities of an NP working at the highest scope of their license. She is truly an inspiration! She also is an incredible teacher - patient and always ready to consider the ideas of others and answer questions.”
Read about other recipients of the School of Nursing Preceptor Awards.