Preceptor Portal

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.
  • 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.

Feb 2024 Preceptor of the Month

Andrea McDade, DNP, PMHNP, practices at RAMS Adult Outpatient Clinic, a community mental health center in San Francisco’s Richmond District. She has precepted PMHNP students for the last three years. Jane Abanes, specialty co-coordinator of the PMHNP specialty, noted that "the program greatly appreciates Andrea's clinical knowledge and commitment to student learning. She is an invaluable part of the success of the PMHNP specialty."

"I precept because I love to see students' enthusiasm for the mental health field and watch them grow throughout the year as they work with our clients,” McDade said. “I had incredible experiences with my preceptors during NP school and want to pass that onto future generations of providers.”

Alumnus Josephine Sara Chang commented: “Andrea McDade is one of the best nurse practitioners and one of the best preceptors I’ve met. She demonstrates client-centered care, and she is responsible, knowledgeable and resourceful. She has great communication and teaching skills and tailors her teaching around her students.”

Alumnus Caitlin Ann Miyazaki added: “Andrea is very supportive and encouraging. She emphasizes that there isn’t often one ‘right’ treatment decision, rather numerous paths that can be taken. She used her own expertise to help guide me, but really allowed me to make my own decisions in preparation for being an independently practicing NP.”

Read about other recipients of the School of Nursing Preceptor Awards