3.0 Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
By the end of this chapter, the PSW student, Clinical Instructor, PSW Placement Advisor, and PSW Preceptor will:
- Identify the PSW student-instructor-preceptor model.
- Explore the role of the instructor/preceptor in clinical professional practice and how to support PSW students.
- Use practical communication skills and engage in mentoring practices
- Identify support resources
The delicate balance of mentoring someone is not creating them in your image but allowing them to develop themselves. – Steven Spielberg
In Chapter 2: PSW Clinical Roles & Responsibilities, you were introduced to the roles of those involved in the clinical professional practice courses. This included the PSW student, instructor, clinical liaison/advisor, agency mentor/preceptor, program coordinator, and other staff and leadership within the placement setting.
As essential healthcare team members, Personal Support Workers (PSWs) often draw on resources and best practices from other healthcare disciplines. They frequently adopt concepts and materials, particularly from the nursing field, to enhance and guide their practice. In particular, many similarities are present when reviewing preceptorship models.
The two definitions, preceptorship and mentorship, are sometimes used interchangeably in healthcare resources and practices. For the OER, the PSW role in supporting the student individually will be referred to as a preceptor.
What is Preceptorship?
A preceptor is a formal relationship between two people where one provides guidance and support as the other adjusts to and performs a new role. The experienced PSW leads the relationship to promote the learning and development of the student (RNAO, n.d.).
What is Mentorship?
A mentor is a person who has the experience and knowledge to guide and support the development of a person who has the potential but less experience (mentee). This relationship is usually long-term, mutually beneficial, and voluntary.
