Clinical Preceptors must meet WOCN accreditation criteria for clinical faculty. These are:
- A Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing OR registered nurse with a Baccalaureate Degree in a discipline other than nursing
- Graduating from an accredited WOC Nursing Education Program
- Board Certification in WOC Nursing
- At least 1 year of ull-time specialty practice after certification
- Documented caseload that reflects the full scope of nurse practice
- Previous experience as a clinical preceptor OR participation in a clinical preceptor workshop
Wicks Educational Associates is available to assist the student in selecting a preceptor. If the student plans to contact a preceptor independently, WEA must be notified so that an application/information packet can be sent to the preceptor.
Clinical Preceptors are required to submit an application to WEA. Following review and acceptance by the Admission Committee, a contract must be signed between Wicks Educational Associates, Inc. and the preceptor's employer.
Contracts usually require some negotiation time so the earlier they are sent out, the better. Curriculum information will also be provided for preceptors and will include clinical objectives, requirements and evaluation forms.
Students may use more than one preceptor; however, it is best to have a primary preceptor who can evaluate learning progression. The Accreditation Committee mandates that 120 hours of clinical instruction be spent with a preceptor who is fully credentialed.
WOC Nursing students and clinical preceptors will, independently of Wicks Educational Associates, Inc., negotiate the financial arrangements for clinical instruction. Students generally pay a fee to the preceptor/institution for the clinical practicum; this fee varies greatly depending on the region and the institution.
