What to look for in a Preceptor
- Has she been licensed or certified for at least two years?
- Can she guarantee all the clinical experience you need to complete NCM's program? If not, can she refer you to colleagues who could supervise the additional clinical experience required?
- Is she willing to oversee your academic work and discuss your progress? Can she guarantee time with you for at least three hours once a week to debrief on clinicals and births?
- Do you feel like your personalities complement each other? Will you work well together? Does she inspire you?
- Is she willing to give you hands-on clinical experience? Does she enjoy teaching? Has she taught other apprentices? Does she understand what overseeing your academic work entails? Does it inspire her?
- Is there a mutual respect demonstrated?
- Does she belong to any local, state or national midwifery organization?
- Does she engage in peer review?
Red Flags to note when you are choosing a Preceptor
- Does she seem to be overwhelmed?
- Does she have the pattern of overextending herself?
- How much time does she have for herself? Does she have time off call?
- Does she work with other midwives or is she alone in her practice?
- Will she guarantee time for you?
- Is she relatively financially stable?
- Does she return your phone calls promptly?
- How is her health?
- Does she break appointments for reasons other than a birth
You should also read the preceptors list of duties:Preceptor Duties