Appoint a staff member as the director of the preceptor program. In larger organizations, you may also wish to appoint additional staff members to assist in program creation and administration.
Determine the training objectives of your preceptor program. For example, an organization focusing on psychiatric care will have a different set of objectives than a clinic specializing in orthopedic care. A program at a school often focuses on bridging the gap between classroom studies and real-life care by permitting licensed nurses to discuss their actual work experiences. You can also establish a time schedule for completing objectives. For example, Beaufort Memorial Hospital has a 12-week preceptor program for new recruits.
Create a budget. This will depend in large part on the number of preceptors and program staff members needed, how much you intend to compensate them and any other resources needed to fulfill your training objectives. This step may also involve negotiation with and approval of financial planners in the organization.
Create a training guidebook for preceptors. This book should contain the training objectives and rules for preceptors. It should also contain basic learning and teaching theories to help nurses who do not have a background in educational theory. If a preceptor does not have the knowledge or guidelines to lead, the program will be unfocused and may achieve haphazard results.
Create a live training program for the preceptors. Before training new recruits, you must always train the trainers. For example, Rhode Island's Newport Hospital has a four-hour workshop before allowing its nurses to act as preceptors. Use this program to provide an overview of the training objectives and simulated situations that preceptors can use to practice teaching skills.
Create an orientation guide for preceptees. The guide should also contain the training objectives and tips on how to get the most out of the preceptor program.
Hire the preceptors. In a clinical setting, the more experienced nurses can act as preceptors. In school settings, recruit licensed nurses from local hospitals and clinics.
Create a schedule for the first round of recruits. The schedule should contain the preceptor assignments and contact information.
Have the first orientation meeting with preceptees. Hand out the schedule at that time. When possible, have preceptors actually show up to the orientation for a face-to-face introduction. Repeat this process for each new round of preceptees.