The teaching-coaching role of the APN

The demand for well-educated and skilled healthcare providers has never been greater. As a result, enrollment is expanding in academic settings that prepare advanced practice nurses for primary care and acute care roles. The growth in programs has led to a corresponding increased demand for clinical mentors and preceptors. The preceptors and sites must meet standards established by the academic institution, advanced practice nurse certification organizations, and state legislatures. There are a number of issues that must be considered by both students and preceptors when negotiating a clinical experience-andragological, curricular, credentialing, and legal matters must be satisfied along with meeting the clinical hour requirements. Producing a quality healthcare professional requires cooperation among the academic institution, faculty, administration, community clinicians, healthcare facilities and their staff, the students themselves, and patients who are willing to allow a student to provide care for them under the supervision of a licensed professional/preceptor.