What Is a Preceptor in Nursing?
Written by:
University of Tulsa
• Jan 27, 2026
Aspiring nurses can benefit greatly from professional mentorship and education. This is one reason nurse preceptors provide experienced mentorship as part of nursing degree programs. While mentorship is what a preceptor in nursing is most known for, the role also involves many educational and patient care duties. Nursing professionals can explore the role in greater detail to see if it aligns with their educational qualifications and career goals.
The Role of a Preceptor in Nursing
Combining the roles of nurse, teacher, and mentor, a preceptor works closely with educational programs to provide real industry experience to nursing students and early-career nurses. During these mentoring engagements, students and nurses model the role, responsibilities, and clinical methods of a nurse in their area, all under the preceptor’s supervision.
While nurse preceptors are mentors and instructors, they should also promote independence in the workplace. The goal of a preceptor is to train nurses to be both effective and independent in their practice.
Preceptor Responsibilities in Nursing
A preceptor in nursing is responsible for various duties depending on the hospital or health care facility. Most preceptors are responsible for the following tasks:
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Supervising new nurses and nursing students
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Maintaining a safe and supportive workplace environment
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Continuing to perform clinical duties and provide patient care
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Communicating with instructors regarding student performance
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Facilitating and monitoring learning experiences in clinical environments
As a mentor, professional nurse, and liaison between a health care facility and an educational institution, a preceptor must be excellent at managing multiple responsibilities. The role may appeal to those who wish to instruct and inspire new nurses while also performing clinical duties.
Mentoring Nursing Students
While experienced nurses can also choose to mentor nurses throughout their careers, preceptors may play a unique, more holistic role in providing instruction, encouragement, and mentorship early on in nurses’ careers.
Generally, preceptors are mentors for a defined period, working closely with instructors to evaluate student performance. The preceptor-mentee match may be developed organically through an established workplace relationship or an internal nursing program that assesses their shared interests and values.
To enhance the transition process, nursing mentoring models were created to determine how these interactions would be conducted — whether through one-on-one or group settings. These models provide a reciprocal and structured way for mentors and mentees to set goals, track development, and ask questions.
Each model type has benefits and drawbacks. The traditional one-on-one model includes a single mentor who works directly with a new nurse. While it can be more impactful, this option requires the recruitment of numerous preceptors and could be costly to the supporting facility. Group mentoring encourages collaborative learning, is typically more cost-effective, and allows for more frequent meetings.
Facilitating Clinical Competencies
Preceptors are also charged with evaluating the clinical competencies of student nurses and recent nurse graduates. While preceptors aren’t expected to make the final decision on a nurse’s performance, they need to communicate the level of clinical proficiency and competency displayed by students. This helps nursing program instructors make informed decisions about the abilities and skill levels of students.
How Nurse Preceptors Can Help Improve Nurse Retention
Mentorship is a critical component of health care professional development, and an experienced preceptor can guide new nurses in providing comprehensive patient care. This supportive process helps new nurses manage and reduce stress, build confidence, learn from constructive feedback, and acclimate to the team’s culture. Nursing preceptors are integral to developing nursing talent and increasing retention.
Preceptorship programs can help improve the new nurse orientation process and offer personal and professional support, which contributes to developing a confident and knowledgeable nurse. By providing consistent coaching and fostering an environment where nurses feel valued and appreciated, facilities can reduce turnover rates and increase job satisfaction.
Salary Expectations of Nursing Preceptors
Nursing preceptors are generally licensed nurses, but they may get bonus pay for their preceptorship. The median annual salary of a registered nurse (RN) was $93,600 as of May 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS projects that RN positions will grow by 5% between 2024 and 2034.
Nurse practitioners (NPs) can also be preceptors. According to the BLS, the median annual salary for NPs was $129,210 as of May 2024. Their projected growth from 2024 to 2034 is 40%.
To find out what a preceptor in nursing can expect to make, you should review local salary estimates and consider the preceptor’s professional experience.
How to Become a Preceptor
The requirements to become a nursing preceptor include completing educational requirements, gaining practical experience, and holding a set of relevant skills. If you’re interested in this position, you should reflect on each area below.
Educational Requirements
While specific requirements may vary among nursing education programs, preceptors typically must be advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). This means many programs require preceptors to have earned a master’s degree in nursing, usually a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Some programs only require a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). If you want to make a career change to nursing, consider an undergraduate education.
Work Experience Expectations
Mentoring, teaching, and evaluating new nurses requires a skilled professional. In some settings, this means at least one year of experience, though some institutions recommend two or more years of nursing experience. This ensures that preceptors can fulfill their duties while instructing and assisting new nurses and nursing students.
Necessary Skills for Success
A successful nursing preceptor should have a range of communication and technical skills, including the following:
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Active listening: Listening to nursing students and patients to deliver quality care and instruction
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Attention to detail: Carefully analyzing details before making decisions
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Effective communication: Sharing patient information, evaluating clinical competencies, and giving feedback
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Technical expertise: Effectively understanding and applying medical theory and knowledge
Pursue a Career as a Preceptor
Now that you know what a preceptor in nursing is, you can explore this career path and take the next step. The University of Tulsa offers an online Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program, in which students can earn their BSN in under two years. This program includes in-depth explorations of nursing leadership topics and foundational nursing courses.
Find out if becoming a nurse preceptor fits your career goals today.
Recommended Readings
The Benefits of Nurse Mentoring
What Is a Unit Manager in Nursing?
Sources:
American Nurse Journal, “Mentorship: A Strategy for Nursing Retention”
American Nurse Journal, “Nurse Preceptors and New Graduate Success”
American Nurse Journal, “Preceptors: Essential to Nurse Retention”
AORN Journal, “Tips for Being an Effective Nurse Preceptor”
Indeed, What Is a Nurse Preceptor? (And How to Become One)
Nursing & Midwifery Council, Principles of Preceptorship
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners
