Preceptors: Advancing Nursing Education Through Practice
Through mentorship, preceptors help students gain the skills and confidence to become capable, compassionate providers
At the University of Utah College of Nursing (CON), education is more than classroom learning. Students at the CON benefit not only from a strong theoretical foundation but also from direct clinical experiences guided by skilled preceptors—experienced practitioners who help students apply classroom knowledge to real- world patient care.
Preceptors play an essential role in transforming students into capable, confident providers by guiding them in developing clinical judgment, communication skills, and professional confidence. Three of our clinical partners reflected on the impact of precepting on both their students and themselves.
For Paige Miller, DNP, a women’s health nurse practitioner and certified nurse-midwife at University of Utah Health, serving as a preceptor has been both a teaching opportunity and a source of professional growth.
“I’ve loved being a clinical preceptor. Providing learning opportunities and talking through complex clinical presentations with students has helped me solidify my own confidence as a provider and undoubtedly made me a better one."
It’s so rewarding to see the progression of learners in clinic. They start out barely able to see a patient independently, and by the time they’re ready for graduation, they could practically run my whole clinic. I also appreciate the opportunity to form relationships with new providers who will one day become my colleagues in the community.”—Paige Miller
Sandra Benson Johnson, DNP, a family nurse practitioner at Intermountain Health, joined the CON as adjunct faculty in fall 2024 and quickly embraced her role as a preceptor.
“It’s been such a treat being a part of the College of Nursing faculty team and mingling with our nurse practitioner students. I enjoy being a nurse practitioner and am grateful for the chance I have to work with our aspiring future nurse practitioners. My personal experience in having great health care mentors is my motivation to be a good preceptor.
“I love helping students translate theoretical learning into real- world clinical practice. Hands-on clinical practice is my very favorite topic, and I’ve had a tremendously rewarding experience on campus, in the classroom, in the simulation lab, and in the patient-care clinic working with College of Nursing students.”—Sandra Benson Johnson
For Emily Winn, DNP, who works as a pediatric nurse practitioner at University of Utah Health, precepting has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of her career.
“Being a preceptor for nurse practitioner students over the past eight years has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career. I love guiding students as they build clinical confidence and deepen their understanding through real-world, hands-on experiences.“
"I especially enjoy explaining the ‘why’ behind my clinical decisions in real time. It sharpens my own practice and allows me to grow alongside my students. Watching them evolve into capable, compassionate providers brings me a deep sense of pride.
"For future preceptors, know that this role is more than teaching: It’s about mentoring the next generation of nurse practitioners and supporting them as they gain confidence in skills that may be second nature to us. For students, remember that your preceptor is not only there to assess your skills, but to champion your development. The learning that happens in a preceptorship is truly collaborative, and I’m honored to be part of that journey.”—Emily Winn
Preceptors play a vital role in shaping the next generation of nurse practitioners, guiding students as they build the skills, confidence, and professional judgment needed to thrive in clinical practice. Their mentorship benefits both students and providers, offering opportunities for learning, leadership, and professional growth.
The CON is deeply grateful to the hundreds of preceptors across Utah and beyond whose time, knowledge, and dedication ensure that tomorrow’s health care workforce is prepared to meet the needs of our communities. If you’re ready to make a lasting impact while advancing your own skills, consider becoming a nurse preceptor today.
BECOME A PRECEPTOR
Behind every nursing student is a skilled preceptor. Preceptors mentor and train future nurses to better care for our communities. Our goal is to make the precepting experience valuable and beneficial to both you and the student by minimizing disruption to your clinical flow.
Interested in becoming a preceptor? Complete the College of Nursing Preceptor form by visiting the precepting page to learn more.