Introduction
The Frontier School of Midwifery and Family Nursing (FSMFN) provides training to clinical preceptors with this continuing education handbook, An Act of Hope, a Labor of Love: A Handbook for Precepting FSMFN Students. At FSMFN we are acutely aware, and deeply appreciative, of the importance of the clinical preceptor faculty to the success of the students and, ultimately, to the quality of the professions of advanced practice nursing. Today's practicing nurse-midwives and nurse practitioners have broad responsibilities and work under time and accountability pressures that are unprecedented. This Handbook is offered as a guide and resource to support and make clear the day-to-day, "nuts-and-bolts" of precepting.
The handbook is divided into five parts. The first three parts address the role of clinical faculty (preceptors) at FSMFN. Parts four and five take a more general view of clinical education and include sections on adult learning and tips for successful precepting. An appendix is included of documents specific to FSMFN and also the core competencies of both the American College of Nurse-midwives and the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties. We have also included a Checklist to guide you through the information.
One of the requirements for the Amercian College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) is that all preceptors participate in preceptor training. This handbook has been approved by the ACNM as a CEU for preceptor training for .2 CEUs/2 contact hours. If you are interested in receiving CEUs for this preceptor training, you must Register and complete the included Post Test.
Precepting is a "labor of love" for midwifery and nurse practitioner students and the families of the future. Preceptors need support, recognition, and tools that simplify, rather than complicate, their already complex lives. FSMFN hopes to accomplish that.
rev. 4/28/04