Preceptor vs. Mentor

Preceptor vs. Mentor

What is the difference between being a preceptor and being a mentor? There are important differences to be aware of as you spend time with your Capstone student.

PreceptorMentor
Clinical expertSeasoned professional
Role modelEmotional support and advice
Student advocateAssists with career advancement
Clinical teacherSupports upward mobility
Usually assignedUsually sought out by mentee
Generally short termGenerally long term

Now that you've reviewed the differences, complete the "What do you think" activity below.

What Do You Think?

  • As you consider how to fulfill the student's learning needs, reflect on how you would respond to the questions below:
    1. Who was your best teacher?
    2. What characteristics did that teacher have that made him/her great?
  • Outline a clinical activity or procedure that you would teach a Capstone student on your unit.
    1. Write down the goal of the activity and the learning objectives.
    2. Identify potentially effective teaching strategies.
    3. List the steps the student would take to complete the activity or procedure.
    4. Share your written outline with an experienced clinical instructor or preceptor.
    5. Ask for feedback.