How Precepting NP Students Can Improve Your Clinical Skills

Have you ever thought about becoming a preceptor for NP students? If you haven’t, I’m here to tell you why it’s one of the most rewarding experiences you can have—and not just for the students. Precepting can help you grow as a Nurse Practitioner, keep your skills sharp, and even reignite your passion for the profession. I’ve seen it firsthand, and I’d love to share why this role might be perfect for you.

Reinforcing and Updating Your Knowledge

One thing I always say about precepting is this: you learn just as much as you teach. When you’re guiding students, you’re naturally revisiting foundational concepts. It’s amazing how often students ask questions that make you pause and think, "Hmm, when was the last time I double-checked that guideline?" Before you know it, you’re reviewing the latest evidence-based practices and brushing up on skills that can get a little rusty over time. I hear this all the time from our preceptors!
I remember a student asking me about a particular medication’s new dosage guidelines—and sure enough, I had to look it up. Then, I gave her tips on how to use your resources when you are actually with the patient and not look incompetent! Moments like these keep you sharp and ensure your practice stays up to date with current standards.

Strengthening Critical Thinking

When you precept, you can’t just do something—you have to explain why you’re doing it. Breaking down your clinical decisions and thought processes helps both you and the student. I love watching the lightbulb moments when a student suddenly gets it—and honestly, it helps me think more critically, too.
Sometimes, a student’s fresh perspective will even make me question my own habits. Maybe they learned about a new approach or diagnostic tool in school that I haven’t explored yet. These opportunities to teach and learn at the same time are priceless.

Improving Communication Skills

Teaching forces you to become a better communicator. Whether it’s explaining a diagnosis or walking a student through a treatment plan, you’re learning to articulate your knowledge clearly. Over time, this spills over into patient care, too. The better I explain something to a student, the better I can explain it to a patient who might be scared or confused.
I’ve also learned to adapt my teaching style to fit each student’s needs. Some need more guidance, while others are ready to dive right in. Adjusting how I communicate helps me connect better with both students and patients—a win-win.

Keeping Your Passion Alive

I know how easy it can be to feel a little burned out after years of clinical practice. The day-to-day can start to feel routine. That’s where precepting comes in. Students bring such energy and excitement into the clinic. Their curiosity reminds me of why I fell in love with this profession in the first place.
Some of my favorite moments as a preceptor have been seeing students develop their confidence. Watching them go from nervous and unsure to competent and capable is so rewarding. It reminds me that I’m making a real impact—and that’s powerful.

Honing Time Management and Leadership Skills

Precepting challenges you to juggle patient care and teaching, and let me tell you, it’s a skill! You learn quickly how to manage your time, prioritize tasks, and delegate responsibilities. These are leadership qualities that every NP can benefit from, especially if you have goals to advance into supervisory roles.
Plus, giving constructive feedback is an art. You learn to encourage students while helping them grow, and that skill translates to working with other healthcare professionals, too.

Professional Growth and Connections

Another thing I love about precepting is how it connects me with other educators, academic programs, and professionals. I’ve had opportunities to attend conferences, meet fellow preceptors, and even explore teaching roles because of the relationships I’ve built through the precepting world. You can also get CEs on precepting, so don’t forget that!

It’s also a great way to enhance your reputation as a leader in the NP community. It’s a compliment to be asked to precept! Whether you realize it or not, you’re setting an example and contributing to the growth of the next generation of Nurse Practitioners. That’s something to be proud of.

Final Thoughts

Precepting NP students isn’t just about giving back—it’s about growing as a professional. You’ll find yourself reinforcing your clinical knowledge, sharpening your critical thinking, and improving your communication and leadership skills. Plus, you’ll be reminded of why you became an NP in the first place.
If you’re on the fence about precepting, I encourage you to give it a try. I promise it’s a mutually rewarding experience that will make you a better clinician and a more fulfilled Nurse Practitioner.

About the Author

Lynn McComas is the CEO and founder of PreceptorLink and a recognized expert in precepting nurse practitioners and advanced practice provider students. With over two decades in primary care, Lynn has served as a coach, advisor, mentor, and preceptor for countless healthcare professionals, including NPs, nurses, and medical assistants. She co-founded a successful skills and procedures business and speaks nationwide on NP-related issues.

Lynn is also a regular contributor on LinkedIn, KevinMD, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram @preceptorlink, X @LynnMcComas, and her blog, where she addresses the growing NP and PA professions and the urgent need for preceptor sites. Her unique perspective, shaped by her business, clinical, and educational experiences, positions her as a key voice in tackling preceptor shortages. Lynn is committed to driving change—through a paradigm shift in NP education, reducing barriers, offering preceptor incentives, and advocating for reforms within the profession.

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