Guidance for Preceptors

Use this checklist to guide student orientation on the first day of supervised practice. Initial each item as completed.

• Welcome & Introductions
  • Introduce student to staff and team members.
  • Provide tour of the facility (work areas, break rooms, restrooms, emergency exits).
• Administrative Details
  • Confirm student schedule (start/end times, rotation length).
  • Review dress code and professional appearance expectations.
  • Explain parking, building access, and security procedures.
• Policies & Procedures
  • Review facility policies (confidentiality, HIPAA/FERPA, safety, sanitation).
  • Discuss communication expectations (reporting absences, contacting preceptor).
  • Clarify use of phones, email, and personal devices during practice.
• Learning Objectives
  • Review rotation-specific learning objectives and competencies.
  • Explain evaluation methods and timelines (verbal feedback, written evaluations).
  • Discuss student responsibilities for assignments and paperwork.
• Work Environment
  • Explain daily workflow and expectations for participation.
  • Identify key resources (manuals, policies, reference materials).
  • Outline opportunities for observation, shadowing, and hands-on practice.
• Safety & Emergency Procedures
  • Review emergency exits, fire alarms, and evacuation routes.
  • Explain procedures for reporting accidents or incidents.
  • Discuss infection control and food safety protocols.
• Closing
  • Answer student questions.
  • Set expectations for the next day/week.
  • Confirm student understands orientation materials.

• Set the tone early
  • Welcome students warmly and provide a quick tour to reduce anxiety.
  • Share your own career path briefly to help students see the bigger picture.
• Balance observation and hands-on practice
  • Allow students to shadow first, then gradually increase responsibility.
  • Use the “see one, do one, teach one” approach: observe → practice → explain back.

Handling Difficult or Problem Situations

1. Absence or Tardiness

• In the online graduate program, students work with their preceptor to establish their onsite schedule.
• Students are responsible for ensuring they complete the required number of supervised practice hours by the end of the semester.
• If a student cannot attend a scheduled onsite session, they must notify the preceptor in advance and communicate the absence to the Practicum Instructor shortly thereafter.
• It is not the preceptor’s responsibility to inform the Practicum Instructor of a student’s absence.Instructor.
• All missed hours must be made up at the convenience of the preceptor, including those missed due to emergencies.preceptor.
• Absence and tardiness reflect poorly on professional behavior and work ethic and may result in corrective or disciplinary action.

2. Emergency Absence

• In the event of an emergency, studentsStudents must contact both the preceptor and the Practicum Instructor prior to the scheduled start time if they will be late or absent.time.

3. Inappropriate Dress

• For many students, this may be their first experience dressing for a professional workplace.
• While guidelines are provided, some issuesPreceptors may need to bereinforce addressedprofessional ordress reinforcedexpectations directly by the preceptor.directly.

4. Personal Phone Use

• Students are instructed to use cellCell phones and electronic devicesmay only be used as professional resources (e.g., textbook, calculator) or for family emergencies, unless otherwise permitted by the preceptor or facility policy.emergencies.
• Students should seekSeek preceptor permission if an emergency call is necessary.
• Full attention should remain on the supervised practice experience.

5. Negative, Disrespectful,Negative or Unprofessional Behavior

• Address inappropriate behavior promptly with clear expectations and timely correction.expectations.
• ModelConsult appropriatethe professionalPracticum conductInstructor and explain why certain behaviors are required in specific circumstances.
• Ifif additional support is needed, consult the Practicum Instructor.needed.

6. Excessive Knowledge Gaps

• Discuss the student’s prior coursework and background; some material may not yet have been covered.
• If students fail to recall previously taught information, theyStudents must develop a plan to review and strengthen theirknowledge knowledge.if gaps are identified.
• Preceptors are not expected to teach missing content.content; Contactcontact the Practicum Instructor for assistance in helping the student create a remediation plan.
• Addressing knowledge gaps is in the student’s best interest, as competency is required for passing the RD exam and entering practice.support.

7. Personality Conflicts

• Occasionally, personalities may not align, even when no misconduct is involved.
• In rare cases whereDiscuss conflicts with the Practicum Instructor if they interfere with the learning environment, discuss the situation with the Practicum Instructor to determine whether action or resolution is needed.environment.

FERPA/privacy

FERPA and Privacy Reminders

• Confidentiality of RecordsRecords:
  • Student educational records are protected under theFERPA. Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
  • Do not share student grades, evaluations,grades or progressevaluations reportsoutside withauthorized anyone other than the student and the Practicum Instructor.
  channels.
• Professional CommunicationCommunication:
  • Discuss student performance only in appropriate professional settings.
  • Avoid conversations about students in public areas or with individuals not directly involved in the program.
• Electronic PrivacyPrivacy:
  • Do not send identifiable student information via unsecured email or messaging platforms.
  • Use university-approved systems for submitting evaluations and documentation.
• Access to InformationInformation:
  • Only individuals with a legitimate educational interest should have access to student records.
  • Do not allow students’ files or evaluations to be viewed by unauthorized personnel.
• Student RightsRights:
  • Students have the right to review their own educational records.
  • Evaluation results should never be a surprise; provideProvide timely feedback throughout the rotation.
  feedback.
• Practical RemindersReminders:
  • Keep all student documentation secure (locked office, password-protected files).
  • Shred or securelyand dispose of any printed materials containing student information when no longer needed.properly.

Professional Conduct & Compliance Expectations