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Young Doctor

Who are Preceptors?

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A Preceptor is an experienced NSWOC, Nurse Continence Advisor or Allied Health Specialist, who works in a formal, one-to-one relationship with a learner to advance their clinical practice. The preceptor role is key to the success of our graduates. Research has repeatedly demonstrated that when a supportive, competent Preceptor oversees the student’s clinical placement, the student is more likely to make a successful transition from academic studies to function effectively in their new role.

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Preceptorship

The Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute NSWOC Program (Wound, Ostomy and Continence Education Program) includes 225 hours of clinical preceptorship. Students consider this the highlight of the program and a highly valuable learning experience. This preceptorship experience ensures that program graduates can apply their theoretical knowledge in divers clinical setting.

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The preceptorship experience ensures that program graduates have the knowledge, skill and judgment to care for patients or clients in the many diverse settings encountered by a Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence.
 

Research also suggests that the following attributes or characteristics of Preceptors enhances the role and the experience of the student:

  • Critical thinking ability

  • Initiative

  • Ability to be a positive role model

  • Ability to link learning needs with appropriate resources

  • Patience

  • Interest in developing others

  • Ability to problem solve & make decisions

  • Ability to support and motivate others

  • Ability to analyze & act on performance issues

  • Coaching and skill in the ability to provide feedback

  • Reflective practice skills

 

As an NSWOC, Nurse or Allied Health Specialist practicing at an advanced level in wound, ostomy and/or continence care, you demonstrate many of these skills every day!

What do Preceptors do?

Assisted by the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute NSWOC Program (WOC-EP) Preceptor Coordinator and Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute Director the Preceptor provides learning and practice opportunities in Specialized Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing to Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute NSWOC Program students.

 

  1. Act as the liaison between the setting and the learner to arrange clinical placement.

  2. Provide orientation to the clinical setting.

  3. Collaborate with the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute and learner to identify learning needs.

  4. Plan clinical learning activities.

  5. Demonstrate and supervise clinical activities.

  6. Assist the student to link theoretical knowledge with clinical activities by teaching and discussing treatment alternatives.

  7. Provide the learner with regular constructive feedback on performance using program templates.

  8. Evaluate the performance of the learner in relation to clinical objectives using the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute Clinical Evaluation Tool.

  9. Communicate with the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute re: the student’s progress and as needed during the preceptorship.

Preceptor Professional Profile

All Wound, Ostomy & Continence Institute NSWOC Program (WOC-EP) Preceptors are working professionals able to provide a mentoring experience to students. Preceptors meet the following criteria:

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  • Current Provincial Certificate of Competence,

  • Provincial licensure,

  • Baccalaureate degree or graduate degree preferred,

  • Preceptors for the Ostomy Management course – Wound, Ostomy and Continence Specialized Nurses with a Certificate from a Wound, Ostomy and Continence Education Program accredited by the World Council of Enterostomal Therapists and have an ostomy component in their practice.

  • Preceptors for the Continence Management course – Wound, Ostomy and Continence Specialized Nurses with a Certificate from a Wound, Ostomy and Continence Education Program accredited by the World Council of Enterostomal Therapists and have a continence component in their practice, Nurse Continence Advisors (NCA) or Physiotherapists who specialize in pelvic floor rehabilitation.

  • Preceptors for the Wound Management course -Wound, Ostomy and Continence Specialized Nurses with a Certificate from a Wound, Ostomy and Continence Education Program accredited by the World Council of Enterostomal Therapists and have a wound component in their practice, Advanced Practice Nurses or Clinical Nurse Specialists whose main focus is wound care and who have advanced education in this area (e.g. International Interdisciplinary Wound Care Course, Masters in Clinical Science in Wound Healing, or equivalent).

  • Minimum two (2) years current clinical practice (full-time equivalent) as a NSWOC or Continence Nursing or related field,

  • Good communication and teaching skills

Remuneration

All Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute NSWOC Program (WOC-EP) Preceptors volunteer their time and expertise to contribute to the development of the next generation of professionals. However some institutions require payment to the institution for this experience. The Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute is not responsible for costs associated with preceptorships.​

Agreement

Negotiable 3-year renewable agreement. This agreement may be terminated by the preceptor at any time upon receipt of written notification forwarded to: preceptor@wocinstitute.ca

Frequently Asked Questions

In a June 2023 Interview, NSWOCC's Membership Core Program leader, Shelly Barnes, RN, BN, NSWOC, WOCC (C), interviewed the WOC Institute Academic Chair, Kimberly LeBlanc, PhD, RN, NSWOC, WOCC (C), FCAN on everything you need to know about the Preceptorship program. Check it out below!

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Becoming a Preceptor

Becoming a Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute WOC-EP Preceptor is a significant undertaking; it is complex and not for everyone. The benefits to the student include:

  • The opportunity to apply theory to practice in a safe environment and to develop their role as a NSWOC by working with an experienced NSWOC or clinician who models the skills and demeanour of the advanced practice clinician.

  • The benefits to the preceptor include developing your leadership skills, creating a legacy, helping others to be successful and supporting the profession. Preceptors ignite the spark that distinguishes a Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence.

 

Understanding the learning environment, knowing about individual learning styles and the principles of adult learning and dealing effectively with conflict are skills necessary to being an effective Preceptor.

 

Your skills in the role of Preceptor can be enhanced through this online Preceptorship Education Program offered free from the University of Western Ontario available at www.preceptor.ca.

Want to become a preceptor?

Preceptor Recognition Program

The Wound, Ostomy & Continence Institute recognizes that our NSWOC Program Preceptors have been instrumental in contributing to the graduation of confident and capable NSWOCs.

 

Through their generosity in demonstrating their expertise in WOC Nursing and their leadership in the field of WOC Nursing, Preceptors make it possible for each of our NSWOC students to transfer their academic learning to the clinical area. This is good news for patients and the future of WOC Nursing!  

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On behalf of the NSWOCC Board of Directors, the WOC Institute would like to acknowledge and thank them for their involvement with our students by giving Preceptors who provide 150 hours or more of preceptorship in the same calendar year the reimbursement of their NSWOCC membership the following year.  

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The Preceptorship Manager will communicate with eligible Preceptors. 
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