Preceptor Requirements / Tips For Securing Preceptors

Preceptor Requirements / Tips For Securing Preceptors

Preceptor Requirements:

1. Must be a licensed / credentialed professional, for the area in which they will act as a preceptor, meeting all state and federal regulations.  If an RDN, at least one year work experience post credentialing is required.
2. Submit a completed “Preceptor Qualifications” form to the intern for each supervised practice rotation.  This form must be submitted for preceptors of the following rotations as part of the supplemental application:  Food Service Management-Healthcare; Clinical Nutrition - Acute Care; and Long Term Care.
3. Submit a resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV).
4. Acknowledge responsibilities including:  intern orientation to facility / staff; schedule appropriate experiences to fulfill rotation competencies; mentor (may delegate this) the intern in their daily assignments / performance; assist intern with rotation assignments; evaluate intern on required learning outcomes; communicate intern’s progress with program director; and ensure compliance with NutraSourceDI’s policies and procedures.

Tips For Securing Preceptors:

• The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has a list of preceptors, by state, who are willing to be preceptor.  Login to the Academy’s website at www.eatrightpro.org/acend/training-and-volunteer-opportunities/preceptors-and-mentors, click on Find a Preceptor, sign in to your A.N.D. account, and search for preceptor by location and practice area. 
• Reach out to your professors, colleagues, family and friends for potential leads or suggestions.
• If you live in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Conneticut, Ohio, Virginia, Maryland, or Florida, the NutraSourceDI program may be able to give you leads for preceptors who work for NutraSourceRD AFTER acceptance into the program
• If you still need preceptors, first determine what type of preceptor you need for the rotation you are looking for, including needed credentials.
• Obtain the phone number to call your potential preceptor.  A phone call is preferred over emails.  Call at least three times.  Be sure to leave a call back number when leaving a voicemail message. 
• Prepare a written script including:  a greeting; state your name; state you are applying for a distance dietetic internship program with NutraSourceDI; state what the rotation is for (such as clinical or food service); the length of the rotation; briefly explain the requirements of the rotation.
• If the potential preceptor wants to meet you first (many will), send them paperwork/forms prior to the meeting via email.  This will give them time to review it, complete it, and even ask you questions before you actually meet.  Remember, your prospective preceptor is very busy, and you want to expedite your meeting.
• If your prospective preceptor is not able to help you, ask if they have suggestions for other potential preceptors in the area.