Know that every preceptor’s office is run differently, so your experience will vary from rotation to rotation. Start by always having an open mind to different types of practices and a variety of learning experiences.

Please call or email your preceptor’s office a day or so before you are scheduled to begin your rotation. Introduce yourself to the staff if you haven’t done so already and remind them of the day and time that you are scheduled with them. Make sure there are no last minute changes from the preceptor.

Orientation to the Office

1. You should be introduced to the office staff upon your arrival.
2. Learn how the office operates―where should you park; which door you should use; what are the hours of operation on the days you come?
3. Dress code―check with your preceptor regarding any additional or special stipulations in addition to the NUNM student dress code (i.e., whether or not your preceptor requires you to wear a white coat).
4. Review confidentiality and HIPAA information with your preceptor or their designee.
5. Learn how the office functions, e.g., how medical records are maintained, where the charts are kept if paper charting is used. What is each staff members’ role in record keeping? How are the charts maintained? Ask the preceptor if they have ideas about how you might contribute to the functioning of the office. You should also observe and come up with your own ideas, asking permission before initiating anything.
6. Receive an introduction to the medical records system, and obtain any needed access passwords. Discuss what your role will be in charting and record-keeping.
7. Listen and learn how phone calls are handled, how telephone and office advice are given and how appointments are made. What happens at check-in and check-out? Observe patient flow. How do patients pay? Which insurances are accepted at your office? What is the average co-pay? Do they pay cash or use charge cards or debit cards?

Orientation to the Student-Preceptor Relationship

1. Learn about your preceptor―hobbies, family, education, hometown, and practice focus.
2. Share information about yourself with your preceptor―hobbies, family, education, and hometown. Let s/he know what type of practice or career you desire.
3. Before your rotation beings, you should have shared your learning goals with your preceptor. Learn what the clinical expectations will be for your rotation. To which patients will you be assigned? Will you “room” patients and take their vital signs and check their medication lists and allergies? Will you assist in taking patient histories and physical exams? Will you assist with providing lab results to patients or patient education or referral for preventive services?
4. Please note that if the preceptor is not practicing in a licensed state, or is not covered by malpractice/professional liability insurance, you may only observe, and not have any active participation in patient care.
5. You should give oral case presentations for patients with whom you interact or observe (ideally at least two per rotation). How and when does your preceptor want you to orally present cases? See page 16 for guidelines on presenting cases.

Orientation to the Student-Preceptor Relationship

1. Learn about your preceptor―hobbies, family, education, hometown, and practice focus.
2. Share information about yourself with your preceptor―hobbies, family, education, and hometown. Let s/he know what type of practice or career you desire.
3. Before your rotation beings, you should have shared your learning goals with your preceptor. Learn what the clinical expectations will be for your rotation. To which patients will you be assigned? Will you “room” patients and take their vital signs and check their medication lists and allergies? Will you assist in taking patient histories and physical exams? Will you assist with providing lab results to patients or patient education or referral for preventive services?
4. Please note that if the preceptor is not practicing in a licensed state, or is not covered by malpractice/professional liability insurance, you may only observe, and not have any active participation in patient care.
5. You should give oral case presentations for patients with whom you interact or observe (ideally at least two per rotation). How and when does your preceptor want you to orally present cases? See page 16 for guidelines on presenting cases.

Your Clinical Role

If your preceptor is licensed and is covered by malpractice insurance, you may participate in patient care at your preceptor’s discretion. If your preceptor is practicing in an unlicensed state or is not covered by malpractice insurance, you may only observe and not participate in a patient care, including even activities such as taking vital signs. Examples of activities that you might engage in if your preceptor is licensed and is covered by malpractice insurance are:

• Greet patients and take vital signs
• “Room” patients (collect the chief complaint/basic history, med and allergy update, etc.)
• Assist in medical charting (with your preceptor’s signature)
• Run CLIA-waived/in-office tests such as urine dipsticks, hem occult, urine HCG, influenza, monospot
• Perform phlebotomy
• Deliver basic lab results by phone or in person, explain treatment plans, or provide patient education on designated topics

Your level of participation in patient care may also be dependent upon other factors, including the patient population and their individual desires. If permissible, you should begin to take histories and practice examining patients as your skills and confidence allow, and at the wisdom, discretion and readiness of the preceptor.

You will get out of the preceptorship experience what you invest in it.