Strategies to Precept the Lower and Higher Performers

Strategies to Precept the Lower Performer

Concept	Preceptor Application
Identify Learner Needs	Assessment of the learner should occur within the first days of preceptorship to identify challenges and areas of need for lower performers.
Provide Constructive Feedback	Schedule regular 1:1 weekly or even daily feedback sessions to discuss clinical performance, strengths, and areas for improvement.
Utilize Differing Teaching Strategies	Learners struggling with complex processes: break down the skill into a timeline or series of steps written on paper to enhance understanding.
Utilize Academic and Personal Support Services	Assess and ensure that students have needs met such as housing, sleep, transportation, and access to course materials and technology.
Implement Unbiased Remediation Plans	Have the learner develop a remediation plan that matches their learning style and best performance strength.
Promote Self Care Practices	Coach the learner on stress management, mindfulness, and work-life balance to help support well-being and mental health.

Concept	Preceptor Application
Challenge with Complexities	Increase patient load or acuity to the learner's assignment to advanced assessment skills, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Encourage Autonomy	Allow the learner to discuss clinical decision-making with the interdisciplinary team to help promote confidence and independence in practice.
Offer Mentorship Opportunities	Pair a high-performing learner with a charge nurse, nurse manager, or leader, or create alternative assignments in specialty areas.
Engage in System-Level Thinking	Encourage high performers to engage in quality improvement or nursing research activities within the unit or organization.
Utilize Reflective Practices	Incorporate reflective practice, such as self-assessment activities within daily workload to promote continuous self-improvement.
Offer Specialized Education Opportunities	Allow observation of differing clinical practices or care areas. Include the learner in nursing research, healthcare policy, and QI.