Preceptors play an important role in shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals. Here, our recognized preceptors share what makes precepting, teaching, and supporting learners such a rewarding part of their work.
“It is so satisfying to watch a new graduate blossom into a confident and competent young nurse.”
-Lisa McAllister, RN, 3C Neurosurgery
“What I enjoy most about being a preceptor is seeing the growth and transformation that takes place throughout a student’s learning journey. It is incredibly rewarding to see where they begin—with uncertainty, questions, and sometimes a lack of confidence—and then, by the end of their placement, see how much their confidence, knowledge, and critical-thinking skills have developed.
Being able to share my knowledge and contribute to teaching the next generation of nurses is truly an honour. I began my nursing career in Long-Term Care, followed by Rehabilitation at St. Joseph’s Hospital, and eventually found my true calling as a Surgical Nurse on an amazing unit, 3B. It was on this unit that I began my journey as a preceptor, and I quickly discovered how meaningful it was to support and guide student nurses as they developed their skills and began to grow into the nurses they would one day become.
One of the most rewarding moments as a preceptor is when you see a student start to put all the pieces together. When they begin making connections, applying their knowledge to clinical situations, and thinking critically and independently, it is a moment that makes you feel incredibly proud. Knowing that you played even a small part in helping them reach that point makes the role especially meaningful.
My experience has continued to grow through my work as a clinical instructor and as an instructor at Confederation College, where I have had the opportunity to teach Pharmacology, Pathophysiology, and Professional Practice. Teaching has also encouraged me to reflect on my own practice and continue my educational growth as an RPN. It has challenged me to find different ways of explaining complex concepts and to meet students where they are in their learning.
What I value most is being able to break information down in a way that students can understand while creating a respectful, approachable, and supportive learning environment. Every student learns differently, and being able to help them find confidence in their own abilities is something I truly enjoy.
It is a privilege to work alongside students and have the opportunity to help shape and support them as they develop into the nurses of the future. Watching their knowledge, confidence, and critical-thinking skills grow is what makes being a preceptor so rewarding and meaningful to me.”
-Jessica Williams, RPN, 3B Surgery
“When I started my career on 3C, the people who offered me their mentorship showed up for me in ways that I’d never experienced before, at a job or otherwise. Their patience, support, compassion, and dedication to exceptional care I carry with me. Who wouldn’t want to try to pay that forward?”
-Sal Berryman, RN, 3C Surgery
“I enjoy teaching the students and watching them have their “ah-ha” moments, when everything comes together and makes sense for them. I also enjoy the generation gap, then help keep me young and bring new ideas to the workforce.”
-Anne Marie Hutton, MRT, Diagnostic Imaging