Texas Board of Nursing Rules and Regulations Regarding the Use of Clinical Preceptors:

CHAPTER 215. PROFESSIONAL NURSING EDUCATION

§215.2. Definitions.
Clinical preceptor--a registered nurse who meets the requirements in §215.10(j)(6) of this chapter (relating to Clinical Learning Experiences), who is not employed as a faculty member by the governing entity, and who directly supervises clinical learning experiences for no more than two (2) students. A clinical preceptor assists in the evaluation of the student during the experiences and in acclimating the student to the role of nurse. A clinical preceptor facilitates student learning in a manner prescribed by a signed written agreement between the governing entity, preceptor, and affiliating agency (as applicable).

§215.10. Clinical Learning Experiences
 (h) Clinical preceptors may be used to enhance clinical learning experiences after a student has received clinical and didactic instruction in all basic areas of nursing, or after a student has received clinical and didactic instruction in the basic areas of nursing for the related course or specific learning experience.

1. In courses which use clinical preceptors for a portion of clinical learning experiences, faculty shall have no more than twelve (12) students in a clinical group.
2. In a course which uses clinical preceptors as the sole method of student instruction and supervision in clinical settings, faculty shall coordinate the preceptorship for no more than twenty-four (24) students.
3. The preceptor may supervise student clinical learning experiences without the physical presence of the faculty member in the affiliating agency or clinical practice setting.
4. The preceptor shall be responsible for the clinical learning experiences of no more than two (2) students at a time per clinical group

§215.10. Clinical Learning Experiences
(j) When faculty use clinical preceptors or clinical teaching assistants to enhance clinical learning experiences and to assist faculty in the clinical supervision of students the following applies:

1.  Faculty shall develop written criteria for the selection of clinical preceptors and clinical teaching assistants.
2. When clinical preceptors or clinical teaching assistants are used, written agreements between the professional nursing education program, clinical preceptor or clinical teaching assistant, and the affiliating agency, when applicable, shall delineate the functions and responsibilities of the parties involved.
3. Faculty shall be readily available to students and clinical preceptors or clinical teaching assistants during clinical learning experiences.
4. The designated faculty member shall meet periodically with the clinical preceptors or clinical teaching assistants and student(s) for the purpose of monitoring and evaluating learning experiences.
5. Written clinical objectives shall be shared with the clinical preceptors or clinical teaching assistants prior to or concurrent with the experience.
6. Clinical preceptors shall have the following qualifications:
   • (A) competence in designated areas of practice;
   • (B) philosophy of health care congruent with that of the nursing program; and
   • (C) current licensure or privilege to practice as a registered nurse in the State of Texas.
7. When acting as a clinical teaching assistant, the registered nurse shall not be responsible for other staff duties, such as supervising other personnel and/or patient care.
8. Clinical teaching assistants shall meet the following criteria:
   • (A) hold a current license or privilege to practice as a registered nurse in the State of Texas; and
   • (B) have the clinical expertise to function effectively and safely in the designated area of teaching

For Further Information see the Texas Board of Nursing Rules and Regulations relating to Nursing Education, Licensure and Practice @
https://www.bon.texas.gov/pdfs/law_rules_pdfs/rules_regulations_pdfs/bon_rr_Oct2014.pdf

Return to Become a RN Preceptor