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.
Health System News is 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 month we're shining the spotlight on Heather Medaglia, MSN, RN and Clinical Manager of the Breast Care Program at St. Joseph's Health Care London.
What made you decide to become a preceptor, and what was the journey like?
Over the years in leadership, I noticed that not many students in hospitals were focusing on roles beyond clinical work, such as leadership, workflow, or case/project management. I thought it would be beneficial for students to gain a better understanding of the operational aspects of hospitals alongside enhancing their clinical skills.
When I first started in my current role, I saw very few master-level students precepting in our area. I believed it would be valuable for students to learn and gain experience in content creation and leadership. I wanted them to benefit from this experience by focusing on incorporating patients/patient voice into projects while enhancing communication skills.
One of the great aspects of this type of preceptorship is the experience of working with multidisciplinary teams. The main hub of our Breast Care Program is the Norton and Lucille Wolf Breast Care Centre, where the breast imaging and breast surgery teams are uniquely integrated within this specially designed space. Students working here get to collaborate with a variety of specialists, including surgeons, radiologists, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, ultrasound sonographers, registered practical nurses, medical radiation technologists, and clerical staff. This provides an amazing learning experience.
Additionally, I have had the opportunity to learn from the students and sometimes discover new things alongside them, which is so important. You never stop learning and growing.
Finally, my love of learning and sharing drove me to become a preceptor. While it does take effort and there can be some fear in accepting a student, I am glad I had the courage to step up. These opportunities have helped bring my team together and taught me something about myself.
What is the most rewarding aspect of being a preceptor? What do you like most about this role?
The most rewarding aspect of being a preceptor is helping students flourish and succeed in their learning. I enjoy teaching them different things to grow their practice and develop new skills. I also like providing students with the opportunity to learn new skills and observe procedures and processes they might not typically see in non-specialty areas.
I love that my team and I get to shape the future generations and guide their practice into something more. With our ever-changing environments, it's so important to encourage and influence new ways of understanding and implementing things.
What's the most important thing you learned from your preceptor that you've passed on to your students?
I've had many influential people in my life who have trained me over the years. My preceptors helped me develop my nursing clinical skills, learn how to prioritize, and encouraged me to try different things. A couple of preceptors were particularly influential in my nursing leadership career. They provided me with not just technical and clinical skills, but also taught me the value of being honest and true to myself. They believed in my capabilities, which helped me believe in myself.
They also instilled in me the importance of having a curious mindset and how influential that can be in any circumstance. I try to pass this on to both students and staff. Being open and honest, fostering a belief mentality, and encouraging curiosity creates safe environments where people feel comfortable to learn and be themselves. I think being approachable is crucial for success in teaching students and for learning.
What advice do you have for students? What do you wish students knew before starting their learning journey?
My advice for students is to explore your interests and don't be afraid to try something new. I encourage you to research your interests and look for opportunities that align with them before making a decision. This approach might provide you with more experience and opportunities than you initially expected. Additionally, being open to new experiences, rather than sticking to conventional learning paths, will offer you a richer and more rewarding learning journey.
I wish students knew the importance of being adaptable and open-minded. The learning journey is full of unexpected challenges and opportunities, and being flexible can make a big difference. It's also crucial to understand that learning is a continuous process, and it's okay not to have all the answers right away. I say, embrace the journey, ask questions, and seek feedback. Remember to take care of yourself! It is so important to have balance in your life.
What advice do you have for those who are interested in becoming a preceptor?
Be courageous and embrace the opportunity to mentor students, not just in conventional ways but also through non-traditional approaches. There is always room to learn and grow from this experience. It's also a fantastic way to bring your team together by creating a shared vision for projects and student learning.
I truly appreciate the benefits it brought to my team and the journey we went through with the students. I couldn't have done everything without my team, and I want to remind everyone of the importance of knowing you're not alone. It's a team effort to teach and guide students!