Effectively Precepting a New Cohort as They Begin Their First IPPE Rotation
The MCW School of Pharmacy, Class of 2025, begins their first IPPE rotation on October 7, 2022. For your convenience, we are sharing some tips and suggestions for our new preceptors, and a quick review for our returning preceptors, on how to create a constructive learning environment abounding with opportunities while building upon current knowledge and developing positive student relationships.
Precepting is very individualized; what works well for one site, preceptor, or student, may not work as well for other preceptors or students. Just as we expect students to take their rotation seriously, we know you will take your role seriously. We realize that precepting and fulfilling regular job duties is difficult. We encourage you to make the most of your time with your student and to prepare for them in advance as much as possible. Thank you for giving of your time with our student pharmacists!
1. Communication is key
Orientation on day one will help you to get to know our student and establish trust and respect
Share your expectations and goals and learn about the student’s expectations and goals
Provide ongoing feedback throughout the rotation
Make the student aware of any performance issues immediately and be specific
Discuss challenges with the Office of Experiential Education (OEE)
2. Teaching
Create meaningful tasks and activities
Share your experiences
Instill self-learning
Apply classroom learning to actual practice – see the curriculum and executive summary for current course content
3. Be a role model
Behavior and demeanor make a lasting impression on students
Put the patient first in all your actions
Students observe your interactions with patients, other professionals, and staff
Instill a passion for practice and profession
4. Motivation
Instill confidence
Discuss strengths and weaknesses
Instill a feeling of value, make them a member of the team, and incorporate your student into the workflow
Encourage reflection
5. Balancing precepting with other duties
Develop a schedule of activities
Utilize staff to assist in precepting
Consider how the student can help your practice
Check up with, and check in on, the student
Use project time – student could use a project day when you are absent or on vacation
RESOURCES
“The Community Pharmacist Preceptor Education Program” developed by APhA and NACDS Foundation
Doty RE. Getting Started as a Pharmacy Preceptor. APhA, 2011
Cuellar LM & Ginsburg DB. Preceptor’s Handbook for Pharmacists.
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