Meet the Preceptors Shaping the Future of Nursing

At the center of our health system’s mission is a commitment to the next generation of healthcare leaders. As the country’s largest municipal health system, we are proud to invest in our communities and build a stronger future together. That is why we are thrilled to be hosting our third cohort of Lauder Fellows from Hunter College – a select group of Nurse Practitioner (NP) students dedicated to advancing health equity in New York City.

Through the Evelyn Lauder Community Care Nurse Practitioner Program, these Fellows bridge the gap between theory and practice under the expert guidance of our own NPs and attending physicians, known as preceptors.

Because the Hunter-Bellevue School of Nursing relies on our health system as a clinical training ground, our staff have a unique opportunity to teach nurses who may soon be standing next to them at the bedside.

“The guidance of an impactful preceptor can make all the difference in a nurse’s career” said Natalia Cineas, SVP and CNE, DNP, MSM-N, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, FADLN. “The preceptor relationship is especially important within the nursing profession where specialized training, education and clinical skills are continuously evolving to adopt the latest evidence-based best practices.”

Meet some of our outstanding preceptors who make this essential training possible.

Q: What inspired you to become a preceptor?

Nikesha: I still remember being a student and how much I leaned on the people willing to show me the ropes. In the classroom, you learn the theory, but in the field, you develop that truly holistic approach to patient care. I became a preceptor because I wanted to make sure that ‘real world’ perspective didn’t get lost in translation. For me, it’s about passing on the important lessons that you just can’t find in a textbook.

Scarlett: There is nothing quite like the ‘big win’ of seeing a student finally have that ‘aha!’ moment where everything clicks. I love sharing what I’ve learned over my two decades as a Family Nurse Practitioner, while showing them that in this profession, we never stop growing.

Q: How does having a student impact your daily practice?

Patricia: Being a preceptor to the Fellows actually boosts my own confidence and enhances my clinical knowledge. To teach something clearly, you have to stay up-to-date on the latest information yourself. It has definitely improved my communication skills and made me more intentional in how I approach every clinical situation.

Vanishree: Precepting keeps me on my toes! When a student asks a deep question about a differential diagnosis, presenting symptoms, or a specific clinical guideline, it sparks my own curiosity. We can’t know everything, so if I don’t have an immediate answer, we research it together. It turns a standard patient visit into a collaborative learning experience for both of us.

Q: What are the challenges and rewards of being a preceptor?

Nikesha: The greatest gift is the act of imparting knowledge and watching a Fellow’s intellectual curiosity transform into confident clinical practice. There’s nothing quite like the moment when your student begins connecting the dots on complex clinical concepts on their own. Watching a Fellow transition from observing my flow to mastering their own, whether it’s conducting interviews, physical assessments, or charting, is easily the best part of the job.

Scarlett: While time management is the most obvious challenge, the emotional side of precepting is equally significant. I make it a point to be honest about the journey, helping students navigate the natural highs and lows of the profession. This includes delivering constructive criticism. It isn’t always what a student wants to hear, but it’s necessary for their growth, so finding that balance in communication is key.

Q: What would you say to someone on the fence about signing up to be a nurse preceptor?

Patricia: Go for it! Remember these Fellows already bring a wealth of knowledge from their backgrounds as RNs and as students. By creating a safe, supportive environment and offering honest feedback, you can minimize their anxiety and build the confidence they need to become great providers.

Vanishree: While it requires a commitment of time and energy, being a preceptor is absolutely worth it. Teaching reminds you of how much you truly know and brings back the magic of why we chose this path.