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.