11 Clinical Teaching Tips for NP Preceptors

Practical strategies to grow the next generation of NPs—without adding to your workload.

Precepting isn’t just a service to your profession—it's one of the most meaningful ways to shape how future NPs think, communicate, and practice. But let's be honest: teaching while managing a full clinical day can feel like juggling flaming torches on roller skates.

You’re not alone, and you don’t need to overhaul your workflow to be an excellent preceptor. Small, intentional teaching moments make the biggest impact.

Below are practical, real-world strategies you can use immediately—no theory dump, no extra paperwork, just things that work!

1. Start With a “Day 1 Mini-Orientation” (10 minutes max)

Setting expectations early reduces confusion and sets your student up for success.

What to cover:

• How you want them to present patients

• What you expect for note-taking or documentation

• When they should jump in vs. observe

• How you prefer questions (during the visit? after?)

• Your clinic flow and any “non-negotiables”

2. Use the “See One, Map One, Do One” Approach

A slightly different take on the medical school phrase of "see one, do one, teach one."

• See one: you model an exam, communication, procedure, or clinical reasoning.

• Map one: the learner talks through the steps, exam elements, or thought process with you.

• Do one: they perform it with your support.

Mapping helps them organize their thinking and reduces performance anxiety.

3. Narrate Your Clinical Reasoning—Even Briefly

Students often see your final decision but not the thinking behind it. Share the “why” in quick, digestible ways:

*as a side note: patients usually like to hear your thought processes, too. Win/Win!

• “Their lung sounds are clear, so I’m less concerned about pneumonia...”

• “Given their risk factors, we’ll start with this medication instead of….”

• “Here’s what I’m ruling out based on today’s exam…”

These micro-explanations teach more than long lectures. They help students immediately connect the dots in clinical reasoning.

4. Ask Coaching-Style Questions Instead of Quizzing

Quizzing puts learners into panic mode. Coaching questions create reflection and confidence:

• “What’s your top concern right now?”

• “What else could this be?”

• “What information would help you decide?”

• “How would you explain this plan to the patient?”

This shifts their mindset from memorizing to thinking like a provider.

5. Give Formative Feedback Daily

Short, specific feedback is far more effective than one long debrief. It’s clean, structured, and judgment-free.

Try the 2-sentence model:

• “One thing you did well was…”

• “One thing to work on next time is…”

6. Let Students Lead the Visit When Appropriate

Even early learners can take ownership of portions of the encounter:

• Chief complaint + history

• Patient education

• Closing the visit

• Focused physical exams

This builds autonomy without sacrificing patient safety or clinic flow.

7. Share Your Real-World Workflow Hacks

Students want to know how you manage:

• Inbox overwhelm

• Prior authorizations

• Time management

• Difficult patient interactions

• Charting efficiently

• How to prioritize competing tasks

These aren’t “extra teaching points”—they’re the things students remember most.

8. Normalize Uncertainty

Students often believe “real NPs always know the answer.” Medicine is always changing, and you can't know everything about everything. Change that narrative by saying:

• “I’m not sure—let’s look it up.”

• “This is a grey-zone case. Here’s how I navigate these…”

• “Evidence gives us a range, not a script.”

Teaching uncertainty builds safe, thoughtful clinicians.

9. Debrief Challenging Encounters

When you can, pause briefly (even for 1-2 minutes) after tough visits and ask:

• “What stood out to you?”

• “What would you try differently next time?”

• “What part was hardest?”

These micro-debriefs help learners integrate emotional intelligence, communication, and clinical reasoning.

10. Protect the Relationship With Patients

Give your student visibility, but set boundaries that maintain trust:

• Introduce the student with confidence (“You’re in great hands today—this is ___, an NP student working with me.”)

• Step in if the patient seems uncomfortable.

• Co-sign the plan so the patient feels supported.

Patients often love being part of teaching—they just need the reassurance that you’re still leading the encounter.

11. Celebrate Wins

Students often only hear what they need to improve. Call out their progress aloud:

• “Your assessment was so much clearer today!”

• “You handled that difficult conversation beautifully.”

• “I can see your confidence building each week.”

These small affirmations build identity, motivation, and trust.

Final Thoughts

When you precept, you’re shaping the future of our profession — through visibility, honesty, intentionality, and presence.

Your student will remember the way you explained your thinking, modeled calm, handled uncertainty, and treated patients. That’s the real curriculum.

Thank you for elevating the next generation of NPs—one clinical day at a time.

You’re shaping the next generation of NPs — let’s make it easier.

Download your free NP Preceptor Quick Guide to keep on hand for your next precepting adventure!