Contacts and Communication

The Rush University College of Nursing has a clinical placement team. If it any time you need to speak with them, please contact Misha Cadet, MPH at ClinicalPlacementTeam@rush.edu.

You will receive emails from them when all the necessary contracts with the site have been completed.

They are the first contacts for the preceptor and are responsible for:

• Providing the preceptor with the course syllabus and any necessary information about the preceptor's role in the student's learning
• Orienting the preceptor to the student placement details and course policies indicated in the syllabus
• Assuring that all required preceptor paperwork is returned to the College
  • This includes a CV or resume that includes professional and practice experience 
  • Current certification and licensure

Each student has an assigned clinical faculty member. The student will provide you with that faculty member's name and contact information.

The assigned clinical faculty member's role is to:

• Support the preceptor in guiding the student's clinical experiences
• Be readily available for problem-solving and consultation through telephone and/or email communication
• Review a selection of clinical notes and provide feedback to the student
• Assume overall responsibility for assigning the student's clinical performance grade
• If Exxat is used, review documentation of client visits with the student and preceptor
• Facilitate appropriate learning experiences based on learning objectives and course content
• Maintain continued communication with students
• Facilitate, monitor and evaluate student learning through periodic conferences with the student

A student may not begin their clinical experience until a signed Affiliation Agreement between the preceptor (if private practice) or site exists. The Rush University College of Nursing is responsible for ensuring all parties agree on the details of the Affiliation agreement.

• We will complete any additional paperwork required by the site.
• The preceptor's information must be on file at the College of Nursing.
• All student clinical clearances, background checks and immunizations must be completed.

Appointment as a Rush University College of Nursing adjunct faculty member formally recognizes a preceptor who has contributed to the education of our advanced practice students over time as a preceptor or lecturer. Because we highly value the contributions of our preceptors, we encourage them to seek nominations as an adjunct faculty member in one of three departments in the College of Nursing. Submission of a curriculum vitae (CV) is required.

Please contact the chairperson or a faculty member if interested.

• Department of Adult Health and Gerontological Nursing
  • Chairperson – Mike_J_Kremer@rush.edu
• Department of Community, Systems, and Mental Health Nursing
  • Chairperson – Kathryn_D_Swartwout@rush.edu
• Department of Women, Children, and Family Nursing
  • Chairperson – Lynn_Mohr@rush.edu

Rush University College of Nursing will provide verification of hours of preceptorship. Following each term, we will send a formal “thank you” letter which includes the number of hours that you have precepted. We will also complete the ANCC Preceptorship Form for our NP and CNS preceptors who require this for recertification. Should you need this form, please contact ClinicalPlacementTeam@rush.edu

We are required to provide documentation of current preceptor and faculty credentials to visiting accrediting bodies.

This means that we must have on file and update every year:

• A CV or resume that includes professional and practice experience
• Current certification and licensure

Our clinical coordinator will request this documentation at the time of contract.

If you do not have a CV. Please contact us for a form you can complete and email or fax to us. Contact: ClinicalPlacementTeam@rush.edu  

How many hours will I need to precept? How long will it take?

• This can vary depending on your availability, from 1 to 2 days for a 14-week semester (125 to 250 hours total).
• Students in the critical care programs may take 168 hours in the spring and summer semesters and 420 hours in the fall semester.

Who provides malpractice insurance?

• Rush University College of Nursing provides appropriate malpractice insurance for its students.

How are students screened?

• Background checks, drug screens and immunization verifications are conducted on all students.

Will I have a contact at the Rush University College of Nursing?

• You will be able to contact a College of Nursing faculty member who is assigned to your student's clinical experience.

What is the specific focus in a semester?

• Each student will have competencies to focus on which will be discussed prior to the clinical term.
• Students may be asked to complete site-specific requirements.

Does the preceptor grade or evaluate the student?

• The preceptor will complete a student performance evaluation form. This data contributes to the overall grade the student receives. Clinical courses are pass/fail.