Preceptor Training & Responsibilities

All preceptors will be provided with information regarding recommended best practices with precepting and orientation to the NutraCo-Graceland University Partnership Graduate Program.

• Preceptors may access the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) free Online Dietetics Preceptor Training Module to earn 8 prior-approved CPEUs. 
• New preceptors must complete the NutraCo-Graceland University Partnership Graduate Program’s preceptor orientation annually.
• Additional training and support will be provided as needed, such as updates on ACEND standards and policies; or NutraCo-Graceland University Partnership Graduate Program policies.
• Preceptors receive a Preceptor Handbook, access to this Student Handbook, and a copy of the curriculum to utilize as a reference throughout the SEL experience.

Preceptor Responsibilities

Preceptors acknowledge and accept the following responsibilities:

• Prior to the rotation:
  • Submit Affiliation Agreement (signed by responsible party at site).
  • Complete and submit the Preceptor Qualifications Form.
  • Review with the intern: dress code, time to meet, directions to the facility, meeting room locations, parking, meals, breaks, pre-rotation assignments or readings, confirm dates and number of hours to be completed at the site, resources to bring (i.e. laptop, books, lab coat, etc.), required medical forms and clearances.
  • Review the program’s competencies, learning activities/tasks/assignments expected to be completed during the rotation by the student.
  • Consider developing a Resource Binder for students to include information on the rotation, site details (map if necessary), and frequency of progress meetings (e.g. weekly/daily).
• On the first day of the rotation:
  • Previous experience and rotations already completed.
  • Clarify the student’s goals for the rotation and potential challenges.
  • Review the expectations of the student from the preceptor, department, and facility. 
  • Outline scheduled preceptor-student interaction for observation and feedback. Ideally, weekly feedback at the end of the week should be provided directly to the student to review progress. 
  • Review a “typical day” at the facility. 
  • Review the student’s schedule for the entire rotation. Discuss who the student will be reporting to each day of the rotation if the student will be assigned to more than one preceptor.
  • Discuss student expectations regarding professionalism, punctuality, illness, inclement weather, and any personal obligations, religious observances, and pre-planned personal events.
  • Site-specific training or learning modules to be completed (e.g. facility orientation).
• Policy and Procedure Manual Review:
  • Location of the manual and when to refer to it.
  • Print or highlight pertinent policies for use during rotation (e.g., assessment policy for clinical nutrition, foodservice delivery and nourishment, etc.).
• Provide a tour of the facility.
• Schedule appropriate experiences to fulfill rotation competencies.
• Mentor, or delegate mentorship, of the student in their daily performance.
• Teaching strategies include: ask student to write down questions as they arise; set aside time daily to review questions; assess weaknesses of the student (e.g. shy or fear of speaking to group); encourage student self-reflection.
• Remind students that RDNs have many ways of completing their job duties if they observe different ways of completing tasks when compared to other locations or preceptors.
• Inform student which staff member(s) they can count on besides the primary preceptor.
• Give feedback immediately when indicated and/or frequently.
• Criteria for feedback: 
  • Give positive constructive criticism.
  • Provide clear direction.
  • End with positive feedback.
• Assist student with rotation assignments as needed; ensuring completion.
• Complete required assignment evaluations throughout the rotation.
• Complete the required final evaluation at the end of the rotation.
• Ensure compliance with NutraCo-Graceland University Partnership Graduate Program’s policies and procedures.
• Communicate student’s progress, and questions or concerns with the Program Faculty.

Supervised Experiential Learning (SEL) Curriculum

The NutraCo-Graceland University Partnership Graduate Program curriculum consists of the following supervised experiential learning (SEL) rotations:

• SEL Orientation to the Profession of Nutrition and Dietetics – 80 hours
• SEL Long-Term Care – 200 hours
• SEL Clinical – 240 hours
• SEL Community – 200 hours
• SEL Food Service Management – 200 hours
• SEL Concentration – 80 hours

Each SEL rotation has assignments and evaluation tools to ensure student competency per ACEND standards. Competency is measured by achieving a passing score of at least “met expectations.” Students are expected to progress in knowledge and skills during the program, to include the development of nutrition expertise. Students are required to submit self-assessment and site/preceptor evaluations at the completion of each SEL rotation/site. 

It is the student’s responsibility to schedule and complete assignments during the rotation; not the preceptor’s. These rotation assignments are in addition to any other specific projects assigned to the student by the preceptor.

The NutraCo-Graceland University Partnership Graduate Program team will review assignments for completion. This is not the responsibility of the preceptor.

It is the expectation of the student to complete and submit all assignments and document SEL rotation hours by the end of the last day of the rotation. This includes all required logs, hours, projects, and papers in the Portal. Deadlines are non-negotiable unless there is a documented and approved reason. Program faculty will make final decisions on reasons to approve work past the deadline.