The Critical Role of Preceptors in APRN Education

Preceptors are the cornerstone of clinical education for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs). These experienced clinicians bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world practice, guiding students through complex patient care scenarios and fostering clinical reasoning, professionalism, and autonomy (Chan et al., 2025). Their mentorship is essential not only for student success but also for workforce development, especially in rural and underserved areas of Oklahoma.

Preceptors serve as role models, educators, and evaluators. They orient students to clinical settings, provide direct supervision, and offer constructive feedback that shapes the next generation of nurse practitioners. Their influence extends beyond clinical skills, impacting student confidence, retention, and long-term career satisfaction (McInnis, Schlemmer, & Chapman, 2021).

Preceptors also fulfill four essential roles: role model, socializer, coach, and protector. These roles help novice practitioners integrate into clinical environments, develop critical thinking, and ensure safe patient care (Chan et al., 2025). The preceptor’s ability to foster a supportive and structured learning environment is directly linked to improved student outcomes and professional readiness.

Addressing the Preceptor Shortage

Despite their importance, Oklahoma, like many states, faces a shortage of qualified preceptors. Factors contributing to this include increasing demands on clinicians, lack of formal recognition, and limited institutional support (Chan et al., 2025). This shortage threatens the capacity of nursing programs to expand enrollment and meet the growing demand for APRNs.

To address this, institutions must invest in preceptor development, offering training in adult learning principles, communication strategies, and clinical teaching techniques. Supporting preceptors with continuing education and recognition can improve recruitment and retention, ultimately strengthening the nursing workforce (Chan et al., 2025; McInnis et al., 2021).

Benefits of Serving as a Preceptor

In addition to supporting APRN education and workforce development, precepting offers a wide range of professional, personal, and financial benefits for clinicians.

Professional and Career Benefits

Serving as a preceptor enhances your résumé by demonstrating leadership, mentorship, and a commitment to advancing the nursing profession. These qualities are especially valuable for those pursuing leadership or administrative roles (American Nurses Credentialing Center [ANCC], n.d.). The role also strengthens clinical knowledge, as teaching students reinforces foundational concepts and clinical reasoning. Preceptors often report improved communication, delegation, and feedback skills—hallmarks of effective leadership (ANCC, n.d.).

Preceptors benefit from academic affiliation with nursing programs, which may include access to university resources such as library databases, journals, and networking opportunities. Additionally, precepting provides a unique opportunity to evaluate students as potential future colleagues, supporting recruitment efforts within clinical organizations.

Personal and Social Benefits

Precepting allows clinicians to give back to the profession by mentoring the next generation of advanced practice nurses. Many preceptors find renewed energy and inspiration through student engagement, which can help combat burnout and reconnect them with their passion for patient care. The role also brings recognition and respect from peers and leadership, contributing to professional satisfaction (ANCC, n.d.).

Potential Financial Incentives

While not universal, some healthcare organizations offer financial compensation or bonuses for precepting. These may be tied to performance metrics or point systems that reward mentorship activities. Additionally, Oklahoma’s HB 3351 provides a tax credit for APRNs who serve as preceptors, offering up to $340 per rotation for qualifying clinicians (Oklahoma State Legislature, 2024).

Incentives for Maintaining Board Certification

Precepting plays a valuable role in maintaining board certification for APRNs. The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB) allows APRNs to claim up to 120 preceptor hours toward continuing education (CE) credits for recertification, with a maximum of 25 hours counted as non-pharmacology CE credits (AANPCB, n.d.).

Similarly, the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) recognizes precepting as a valid professional development activity under Renewal Category 5. APRNs may apply up to 120 hours of precepting toward their certification renewal, with a maximum of 25 hours applied as non-pharmacology CE credits (ANCC, n.d.).

In addition, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) emphasizes the importance of preceptors in meeting the DNP Essentials and population-focused competencies required for certification and licensure (AACN, 2021). These frameworks reinforce the value of preceptorship in maintaining high standards of practice and ensuring APRNs are prepared to meet evolving healthcare needs.

Conclusion

Preceptors are essential to the success of APRN education and the sustainability of Oklahoma’s healthcare system. By recognizing their contributions through policy and incentives, we invest in a stronger, more resilient nursing workforce. The tax credit for APRN preceptors is a step forward, but continued advocacy, education, and support are needed to ensure every APRN student has access to high-quality clinical mentorship.

References

American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2021). The essentials: Core competencies for professional nursing education. https://www.aacnnursing.org/Portals/42/AcademicNursing/pdf/Essentials-2021.pdf

American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board. (n.d.). Recertification requirements. https://www.aanpcert.org/recert/index

American Nurses Credentialing Center. (n.d.). Preceptor benefits. https://www.nursingworld.org

Chan, G. K., Baker, N. R., Cooke, C., Cummins, M. R., Joseph, M. L., Meadows-Oliver, M., & Rambur, B. (2025). The importance, challenges, and proposed solutions for preceptors to educate the nursing workforce. Journal of Professional Nursing, 57, 75–84. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2024.11.008

McInnis, A., Schlemmer, T., & Chapman, B. (2021). The significance of the NP preceptorship shortage. OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 26(1). https://ojin.nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/ANAMarketplace/ANAPeriodicals/OJIN/TableofContents/Vol-26-2021/No1-Jan-2021/The-Significance-of-the-NP-Preceptorship-Shortage.html

Oklahoma State Legislature. (2024). House Bill 3351: APRN Preceptor Tax Credit. https://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb3351