Nursing Field Experience:

NURS 6600: Capstone Synthesis Practicum

Preceptors must be academically and experientially qualified to serve as a preceptor. Preceptors must meet the preceptor requirements to be eligible to be approved as a preceptor. Once a preceptor is identified, students must communicate with their potential preceptor and determine if the individual meets the requirements for their practicum course. Students should only nominate preceptors who meet the preceptor requirements for practicum.

Preceptor Requirements – General Requirements

• The preceptor must hold the required academic degree that meets the requirements of the course; profession; licensure; certification; and is in a field related to the role and focus of the practicum experience.    
  • Undergraduate level courses: The preceptor must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree or higher.
  • Master’s level courses: The preceptor must hold a master’s or doctoral degree. 
  • Doctoral level courses: The preceptor must hold a master’s or doctoral degree, but a doctoral degree is preferred.    
• The preceptor must hold an active and unencumbered license to practice in the specialization in the state or country where the practicum experience will occur for licensed preceptors.    
• The preceptor must meet the specific licensure, certification, and/or board-certification requirements for the specialization and practicum course. See the “Practicum Course Requirements for Practicum Sites & Preceptors” section for requirements.  
• The preceptor must have a minimum of 1 year of postgraduate unsupervised experience in the area of specialization for the practicum course. For licensed practitioners, the 1 year of experience is based upon the original date of licensure for the specialization. 
• The preceptor holds a current position and role that is relevant to the specialization, relevant to the focus of the practicum experience, and meets the requirements of the course.  
• The preceptor is a current employee of the practicum site at the practicum site location.
• The preceptor nominee is not the student’s relative, family member, fiancé, roommate, significant other, personal friend, primary care provider, and does not have any other relationship that would create an actual or perceived conflict of interest.
• The preceptor is not the student’s supervisor/manager, employee, or direct report.   
• The preceptor is not a current Walden University nursing student. 
• The preceptor is not precepting other students during the same time they plan to precept you during your practicum experience because preceptors must only precept one student for direct supervision at any given time.   
• The preceptor is able and willing to commit to the preceptor role for the duration of the practicum experience.
• The preceptor must meet the specific requirements for the program, specialization, and practicum course. See the “Practicum Course Requirements for Practicum Sites & Preceptors” section for requirements.

Practicum Course Activities