What is a Preceptor?

A preceptorship is a one-to-one relationship between an experienced Midwife and a student. The value of involving clinical preceptors in the teaching/learning process is that a one-to-one relationship is the most effective mechanism for clinical learning at this level of student clinical performance. The preceptorship is a time-limited relationship that provides students with experiences in the real world of midwifery, bridging the gap between theory and reality.

Preceptorship at the Nizhoni Institute of Midwifery

The Nizhoni Institute of Midwifery combines the best of didactic and state requirements for midwifery licensure. The Nizhoni Institute of Midwifery prepares midwives in the theory and skills necessary to provide excellent midwifery care to healthy pregnant women and their newborns, including the ready identification of complications requiring consultation or referral. Clinical experience with one or more approved preceptors requires approximately one to two years, based on the student’s level of experience upon entering the program. Student preceptorship usually begins approximately eight months into the didactic program and may take place in the student’s community or at an approved clinical site.

Clinical experience involves supervised practice with a credentialed preceptor until all clinical competencies have been satisfactorily completed in accordance with the requirements of Nizhoni Institute of Midwifery and the North American Registry of Midwives. All classroom and clinical requirements must be completed successfully in order to graduate from the Nizhoni Institute of Midwifery. Students who need additional program time utilize an Integration Phase during which they obtain the necessary additional clinical experience under supervision by an approved preceptor. Upon completion of all course requirements, including successful completion of the preceptorship, students pursue certification as professional midwives through the North American Registry of Midwives.

Preceptors must be approved by the Nizhoni Institute of Midwifery through verification of the midwife’s credentials at least 30 days in advance of the start date of the preceptorship. Prospective preceptors are asked to participate in the NARM Preceptor Database program. NARM may request additional information from preceptors, such as client charts, practice guidelines, informed consent documentation, forms and handouts and emergency care plan.

Qualified preceptors are those who meet the requirements of the North American Registry of Midwives and the Midwifery Education Accreditation Council. NARM requires all direct-entry midwifery preceptors to be one of the following:

A nationally certified midwife (CPM, CNM or CM).
Legally recognized in a jurisdiction, province or state as a practitioner who specializes in maternity care.
A midwife practicing as a primary attendant without supervision for a minimum of three (3) years and fifty (50) out-of-hospital births.

For the protection of the client, the midwifery student and the supervising midwife, all preceptors must agree to provide Nizhoni students with direct physical supervision as they care for midwifery clients. This includes all aspects of midwifery care i.e., prenatal visits, home visits, labor checks, intrapartum, postpartum and newborn care. Violation of this rule is cause for termination of the preceptorship agreement.

Preceptors should have a sufficient number of clients so that students are able to complete their clinical experience requirements. Inasmuch as students are required to perform well-woman care skills, it is helpful to work with a preceptor who provides full-service midwifery care, including well-woman care.

Some preceptors charge a midwifery student for preceptorship; most do not, feeling that the work provided by the student is a fair exchange for the clinical instruction provided by the preceptor. The Nizhoni Institute of Midwifery does not pay for a student’s preceptorship experience. Students are strongly advised to carefully consider the terms of any prospective preceptorship and to make a preceptorship arrangement a written contract with clear terms agreeable to all parties in order to avoid misunderstanding or disagreement. Students must be willing to meet the clinical preceptorship requirements set forth by the North American Registry of Midwives.

Benefits for the Student

Participate in the birthing practice in a variety of settings.
Experience the "real world" of midwifery practice.
Socialization into the midwifery profession.
Gain competence and confidence.
Begin the transition from the role of student to a Midwife.

Benefits for the Preceptor

Professional involvement in the teaching/learning process.
Validates and reinforces professional value and practice.
Stimulates innovative and improved practice.
Opportunity to step back and appreciate own contribution to the profession.
Contributions to future Midwifery care through influencing a student's practice.
Opportunity to network with other preceptors within and across agencies.

Roles and Responsibilities

The Preceptor and Student The Student and Instructor

These two roles form an important relationship facilitating the student's progression toward clinical learning outcomes and are all necessary and valuable in order to provide the best possible clinical learning for the student. In order to be successful, this relationship must be grounded in mutual trust and respect, clear expectations, open communication and empowerment. The preceptor's first responsibility is to his/her clients, and then to students. Students are responsible for their own learning and actions.

To achieve the best possible learning, clear definitions of the roles and responsibilities must be established. Open and ongoing communication between the student and the preceptor is critical for success. It is strongly recommended that students work with at least two preceptors during their training in order to give the student the opportunity to experience multiple practice styles and to minimize knowledge deficits.

Benefits for the Student

Participate in the birthing practice in a variety of settings.
Experience the "real world" of midwifery practice.
Socialization into the midwifery profession.
Gain competence and confidence.
Begin the transition from the role of student to a Midwife.

Benefits for the Preceptor

Professional involvement in the teaching/learning process.
Validates and reinforces professional value and practice.
Stimulates innovative and improved practice.
Opportunity to step back and appreciate own contribution to the profession.
Contributions to future Midwifery care through influencing a student's practice.
Opportunity to network with other preceptors within and across agencies.

If you would like to become a Clinical Preceptor at the Nizhoni Institute of Midwifery.

Click on the 'Contact Nizhoni Institute of Midwifery' button tab located on the top menu bar. Select the appropriate box. Complete the section 'Contact Information'. Click the Submit button. You will receive an email confirmation verifying your request