Preceptor appraisals of rewards and student preparedness in the clinical setting

The purposes of this study were to determine preceptors' expectations of students in the supervised practice setting; to identify rewarding and discouraging experiences in precepting; and to establish the perceived effect of the changing health care structure on precepting. A survey consisting of ten open-ended questions was mailed to 430 clinical instructors, representing five allied health programs. Results indicated that observing student growth was the most rewarding aspect of the preceptor role. Frustrating preceptor experiences included low student motivation and poor personal and professional behavior. Respondents expected students entering the clinical experience to have appropriate technical and communication skills. Increased pressures from health care restructuring are decreasing the internal rewards for preceptors. The findings of this study support both further preparation for students entering the clinical experience and a reward system for preceptors.