Preceptor of the Year Award

Purpose of Recognition:

• To recognize an outstanding nurse preceptor. 

Eligibility:

• Direct care and non-direct care nurses
• Nominees must have been employed by University Medical Center for at least 12 months at time of nomination submission.
• Nominees must have completed their area orientation by the time of nomination submission.
• The nominee’s manager/direct supervisor must support the nomination.
• Any individual who works with the nominee may submit a nomination for this award. 

Criteria:

• Nomination exemplars must have a minimum of 2000 characters with spaces and include specific examples for each criterion to be eligible. 
• These examples should have occurred within the last 12 months and be written as narratives or stories consistent with the award criteria. 
• Any clinical acts referenced must be consistent with policies and procedures outlined by UVA Health University Medical Center. 
• Any language that disparages other individuals, teams, or departments will not be considered.

Written nominations should demonstrate:

• ROLE MODEL: Role models professional nursing behaviors. Provides orientees with a safe learning experience, allowing opportunity for questions and carefully explaining opportunities for improvement. Abides by and explains policies and procedures clearly and thoroughly. 
• LEARNING NEEDS ASSESSMENT: Demonstrates expert ability to assess the learning needs of others and tailor the orientation process to meet individual needs. Actively seeks out learning opportunities and experiences for teaching.
• PROMOTES PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Consistent use of practice opportunities to foster the development of individual staff. Facilitates transition into practice for both new and experienced nurses.
• EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION: Demonstrates respectful and exemplary communication skills with patients, families, and other members of the health care team. Provides skilled feedback and demonstrates the ability to have crucial conversations.