327 Precepting in the Occupational Health Setting Precepting is the process of guiding students or other learners through a clinical, practical, or internship experience (referred to as practicum) to help increase their knowledge and under- standing of relevant concepts through practice application. Precepting involves a commitment and close working relationship between the preceptor, student, and faculty who will be in- volved in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the experience. In planning a pre- cepting role or relationship, several factors should be considered: ● Identification and prioritization of learning needs and site selection ● Goals and objectives of course and practicum requirements (see Precepting Sample Objectives, pages 301–302) ● Time commitment expected for the experience ● Specific activities related to the experience (see Precepting Sample Objectives, pages 301–302) ● Extent of student, preceptor, and faculty roles, responsibilities, and interactions ● Ability of other team members to act as resources ● The need for a formal agreement to outline specific experiences and expectations ● An evaluation component by all parties During the practicum implementation, the preceptor: ● Orients the student to the work environment ● Acts as a role model ● Facilitates interfaces, decision making, and goal achievement ● Fosters professionalism and independence In addition, the student and preceptor: ● Work together to accomplish objectives set forth in the initial planning phase ● Recognize the need to request further assistance ● Periodically review the objectives toward achievement Evaluation of the practicum experience should be ongoing, based on course and practicum objectives. Although the final evaluation responsibility is that of the faculty, input from all parties should be obtained and should consider: ● Achievement of goals and objectives ● The working relationship and problem-solving abilities ● Satisfaction with the experience ● Benefits achieved by student and preceptor ● Impact on worker health and safety and on the worksite ● Increase in knowledge, skills, and abilities ● Feedback to all parties Guideline continues on next page