Working in health care is a vital and rewarding profession, but the road to that very first job can be daunting. That's why the role of preceptor is such an important one. Those who have walked the path first have so much to offer to students coming up behind them, and their lessons and insights are invaluable. In fact, the wisdom preceptors impart as they guide their students, helping them learn and practice in their area of expertise, often follows those students throughout their careers.
We are highlighting the experience and contributions of preceptors by featuring a series of interviews with some of the incredible individuals who have chosen to take on this critical role. It's our way of recognizing these unsung heroes who give so much of themselves to help make our health care professionals the very best they can be.
This preceptor spotlight focuses on Kyle Williams, BSW, MSW, who is a registered Social Worker at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.
Kyle, what made you decide to become a preceptor, and what was that journey like?
At Sunnybrook, we are required to be a preceptor at least once, but I take a student every year. You see, I was a student here once too, and I know walking into a new setting not knowing what to expect can be overwhelming. And because I believe education is so important—and because my own preceptor was so fantastic—I want to be that same kind of mentor to others, and help make their experience as students at Sunnybrook as good as mine was.
What's the most rewarding aspect of being a preceptor, and what do you like most about this role?
The most rewarding thing is watching the students form their own identity, both personally and professionally. To be the best, the two intertwine. Watching students incorporate the knowledge they already have with what I'm teaching them to form something new is always a joy. And they never fail to teach me something too! I haven't had a single student that hasn't taught me something in the process. In fact, I've learned a lot from them and have been able to progress personally and professionally myself.
What's the most important thing you learned from your preceptor that you've passed on to your students?
The foundation of what I now practice comes from Monica, my preceptor and a social worker in the Trauma department. Social workers in Trauma engage in crisis intervention and support patients and families through what may be the most difficult events in their lives. The reason I hold her in such high regard isn't just because of how skilled she is as a clinician, but also because of what kind of a teacher she is. She is empathetic and open-minded, and was always so supportive and understanding. It was so much easier learning from someone like that, and that's something I will always carry with me. It inspires me to this day.
What advice do you have for students?
First and foremost, be kind to yourself. You might feel an internal need to prove yourself, but the more comfortable you get, the more you'll realize that it's okay not to know everything, and it's okay to make mistakes and learn from them. Second, build relationships with your colleagues. Learning does not only occur in preceptor-student relationships; student-student and preceptor-preceptor relationships offer unique learning opportunities and help shape our professional identities.
What advice do you have for those who are interested in becoming a preceptor?
Recognize your own abilities. My preceptor told me I was too hard on myself, and I always thought that was a good thing. She made me realize that I need to recognize how strong my skills are and what I can offer to others. So if you're interested in this position, be kind to yourself and understand that you definitely do have something of value that you can teach to someone else. We all have a responsibility to learn and to teach. How else would we create progress?
If you are interested in becoming a preceptor, please reach out to your organization's human resources department.