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Purpose of Precepting

Why do Preceptor's Matter?

Preceptors are experienced surgical technologists and surgical assistants who have worked in a variety of specialties or are designated to one particular specialty. These CST’s are fluent in most, if not all, of the cases offered at their facility. The preceptor is one of the most important contributors to the development of new surgical tech’s. Without the help and guidance of preceptors, students would not get the opportunity to gain the valuable clinical experience that is needed to become a surgical tech.

 

The preceptor’s knowledge is the bridge between the experienced CST and the new student. If you have ever had to scrub a new procedure blindly, you know the uneasy feeling that comes along with it. Now, compare that to the time you had a preceptor standing there with you — not to tell you everything to do, but to guide you and keep you on your toes throughout the procedure. Students need preceptors to give them a sense of accomplishment and provide proof of forward movement to their instructors. They also need honest feedback and criticism that will help them grow. Being a preceptor for students is not easy. It can be stressful and it can be somewhat annoying to have a student (especially when you can do it so much faster and better), but it can also very rewarding.

BENEFITS OF PRECEPTORSHIP TO THE PRECEPTOR 

  1. Personal satisfaction for a job well done.

  2. Personal growth through increasing of one’s own knowledge base.

  3. Sense of pride in shaping and directing a peer’s professional development.

  4. Recognition of excellence by team members and managers.

  5. Progression through career ladder.

  6. Provides diversity within the daily work routine.

BENEFITS OF PRECEPTORSHIP TO THE ORGANIZATION  

  1. Well prepared, competent employees, orientees and students.

  2. Employees, orientees and students who demonstrate skills, behaviors, and the core values of the institution.

  3. Increased productivity within the unit or department.

  4. Ease of assimilation of the orientee/student into the team.

  5. Employee, orientee and student retention.

  6. Ability to attract high level new employees, orientees and students

Why Teach? This is a question that I have often asked myself. This video helps remind us that we were students to.

Surgery101.org

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