Masthead reads EMSON DNP Preceptors: Shaping Future Providers

Module 2 B.S.N. Preceptor Training: Creating a Climate for Learning

1 Hour CE Credit for Completion

This southern live oak, in New Orleans' Audubon Park, is over 250 years old and called the Tree of Life or Étienne de Boré oak.
This southern live oak, in New Orleans’ Audubon Park, is over 250 years old, and called the Tree of Life or Étienne de Boré oak (after the city’s first mayor). It stands as a reminder that growth can take time. Photo by Jaclyn Johnson

To do list

  1. Watch video Clinical Teaching Strategies and Assessments
  2. Complete Self-Assessment: Setting Learning Goals Aligned to Student Needs
  3. Read articles about Growth Mindset
  4. Complete Growth Mindset scenario activity
  5. Complete Module 2 Quiz 

Learning Outcomes

After completing this module, you will be able to:

  • Identify strategies for creating a positive learning environment
  • Demonstrate clinical teaching strategies useful in assessing the learning needs of the student nurse
  • Facilitate development of learning goals that fit the students’ needs and personal growth objectives
  • Reframe common critical phrases to incorporate and promote growth mindset

Step 1: Watch Video — 8:27

Watch Clinical Teaching Strategies and Assessments

In her book Mastering Preceptor: A Nurse’s Handbook for Success, Ulrich identifies the following essential attributes for nurse preceptors. These attributes can contribute to a positive learning environment for your preceptees.

Essential Attributes for Nurse Preceptors

Item NameQuantity
Non-judgmental
Positive demeanor
Encouraging
Respectful
Active listener
Authentic
Effective communicator — verbal and written
Adherent to legal/regulatory, professional and ethical standards of practice
Source: Ulrich 2019

Ulrich, B. T., & Sigma Theta Tau International issuing body. (2019). Mastering precepting : a nurse’s handbook for success (B. T. Ulrich, Ed.; Second edition.). Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. 

Step 2: Self-Assessment

Graphic of fixed mindset versus growth mindset
Click image for PDF

Listen to the self-assessment questions from Setting Learning Goals Aligned to Student Needs – Self Assessment Quiz then listen to the answers to see if you answered correctly. 

View Self Reflection (3:31) noting the self-assessment questions from Setting Learning Goals Aligned to Student Needs – Self Assessment Quiz, then listen to the answers to see if you answered correctly. 

Step 3: Reading Selections

Nursing students at all levels often face unique challenges when entering the clinical setting. For instance, prelicensure students may arrive with overconfidence, assuming their classroom success has fully prepared them for practice. Meanwhile, already licensed nurses returning to school may struggle to adapt, relying heavily on familiar workplace habits rather than embracing current best practices. Additionally, students from either group might grapple with self-doubt and a lack of confidence. All these students can benefit greatly from strategies designed to foster a growth mindset, enabling them to embrace learning, adaptability, and professional growth. 

Select the links to read these excellent articles from Emerging RN Leader about developing a growth mindset:

Step 4: Activity

A monarch butterfly stretches and dries its wings before its first flight.
“Growth mindset.” A monarch butterfly stretches and dries its wings before its first flight. Photo by Jaclyn Johnson

Personal Reflection

Take a moment to reflect on a time when you faced a challenge and overcame it. This could be in your personal or professional life.

  • How did you approach the challenge?
  • What strategies or mindset helped you succeed?
  • How can you positively apply these strategies in your preceptor role?

Step 5: Module 2 Quiz

Participants can take the assessment multiple times to earn 80% or higher for CE to be awarded.

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