A tribute to clinical preceptors. Developing a preceptor program for nursing students

Implementing a preceptor program required the collaboration of nursing administrators, staff development personnel, and nursing faculty. However, registered nurse preceptors were the major contributors to the effectiveness of the program. The author developed a preceptor program for unlicensed associate degree nursing students and describes the experiences encountered during the first three semesters of the preceptor program.

A collaborative approach to team building between staff and students in long-term care

Nursing staff and student interactions were not facilitating a system of care that reflected a team effort. Nursing staff and students were involved in efforts to resolve issues that influenced their professional relationships through use of a problem-solving approach. Team-building strategies were implemented, relationships improved, and collaboration increased between nursing staff members and students. Results of this project have implications for the socialization of nursing students and the development of professional relationships in clinical settings.

Faculty-produced videos. An educational resource

Videos are versatile, convenient, and effective learning tools. Health educators, whether in staff development or nursing education programs, are confronted with increasing demands for current learning resources. To help meet escalating educational needs, educators can produce cost-effective videos by using their expertise and community resources. Institutionally produced videos are also marketable commodities and can be a source of revenue.

Helping new graduates find jobs: a responsibility of nursing leaders

Part of being a profession is providing for entry of new members. During this period of restructuring, it is the responsibility of current nursing leaders to help new graduates deal with the job entry problem. This author, who has experience working with students who are concerned about not finding a job in nursing, describes strategies that nursing leaders can use to help new graduates enter into the profession.