Mentoring and Precepting: Cultivating an Environment of Professional and Clinical Nursing Development
DATE: Thursday, October 25, 2007
LOCATION: Nicholls State University—Betsy C. Ayo Hall Auditorium
TIME: 8 a.m. (registration) until 3:30 p.m. (education activity ends)
CREDIT: 5.5 contact hours
COST: Fee includes continental breakfast, break refreshments and handouts
- $65 for nurses (contact hours awarded)
- $30 for retired nurses age 55 or over
- $20 for Nicholls faculty and staff
- $20 for Nicholls students
- $10 late registration fee for registering less than seven days prior to education activity
SPEAKER: Helen Freeman MSN, RN, CCRN, BC is a Staff Development Coordinator for Clinical Support and Development at Mission Hospitals in Asheville, NC. She has over 20 years nursing experience in the areas of oncology, home health, adult medicine, staff development, and clinical nursing research. Her current responsibilities include the development, oversight and expansion of a comprehensive nursing research program, facilitation of a magnet culture, planning and implementation of professional staff development activities for twelve service lines, and strategic planning and professional development for front-line nursing leadership, among other duties. Ms. Freeman has been involved with the mentoring and precepting process for a number of years, having developed and presented many programs on these topics.
DESCRIPTION: Do you have a magic wand? The ever-changing healthcare environment can make orientation an elusive challenge. Are we asking our preceptors to accomplish the impossible? This activity will explore the essential elements an organization must have to facilitate the successful transition of nurses into a professional practice environment. Well-designed preceptorship and mentor programs can foster commitment, teamwork and retention. A framework for the development of these programs will be examined. The similarities and differences of precepting and mentoring will be analyzed and strategies for the implementation and ongoing support will be provided.