In the ever-evolving world of healthcare, the transition from nursing student to practicing nurse is one of the most pivotal and vulnerable moments in a nurse’s career. Ask any nurse, and chances are they will remember their first preceptor. Whether the experience was empowering or discouraging, it left a lasting impression. Why? Because preceptors are more than teachers and evaluators, they’re coaches, protectors, socialization agents, influencers, and role models.

Preceptors shape not only how and what new nurses learn, but also how they think, act, and feel about the profession. Their communication, professionalism, and even their handling of stress become templates for those just entering the field. That’s a lot of influence, and with great influence comes great responsibility. It’s also a responsibility that shouldn’t fall on one person’s shoulders.

Too often, we treat precepting as a solo act, pairing a nurse with a new graduate and hoping for the best. But as Dr. Ulrich reminds us in our latest podcast episode, precepting is a complex, multi-dimensional role. And like any meaningful work in healthcare, it takes a village.

The episode is full of valuable insights, but here are a few that stood out to me:

• Precepting isn’t an “extra.” It’s a leadership function. Nurse leaders must recognize and elevate its importance.
• Support must be interdisciplinary. When the entire care team, including physicians, respiratory therapists, and others, welcomes and supports new nurses, it fosters a sense of connection and belonging.
• Psychological safety is essential. Learning thrives in safe environments. Both preceptors and preceptees need space to ask questions, make mistakes, and grow without fear.
• Development must be ongoing. Preceptors need more than a one-time workshop. They deserve regular boosters, peer conversations, and feedback loops to grow in their unique role.

What is perhaps most important to remember is that the nurses our preceptors guide today will become the leaders, mentors, and culture-shapers of tomorrow. Their influence doesn’t stop at orientation; it ripples across careers, teams, and patient experiences. If we want to improve retention, outcomes, and foster resilient teams throughout our healthcare systems, we must invest in the people who make that growth possible, preceptors. It takes a village to precept the new nurse, so I challenge you to consider what you are doing to support the village. 

Nicole Weathers, DNP, RN, NPD-BC 
Iowa Online Nurse Residency Program Director 
nicole-weathers@uiowa.edu
Wanting a Program Overview? Need to schedule a meeting? Book time with Nicole 
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