Action Team 3:
Strengthening preceptor supply
Creating innovative strategies to increase the availability and support of clinical preceptors across South Dakota.
Team Overview
Presider: Dawn Warren, EdD, RN – USD Department of Nursing
Committee Members: South Dakota Board of Nursing, South Dakota Nurses Association, Mental Health Facilities in SD, USD Department of Nursing, Clinical Partners, SDAHO
Purpose
Address and develop innovative strategies to solve issues with preceptor supply while leveraging current partner efforts.
Goals
- Increase the number of qualified preceptors available to nursing students
- Develop innovative preceptorship models
- Create resources to support both preceptors and students
- Foster collaboration between educational institutions and healthcare facilities
Target Audience
Practicing nurses, nurse educators, healthcare facility administrators, and nursing students participating in clinical preceptorships.
Benefits of Being a Preceptor
Professional Growth
Precepting offers opportunities to develop leadership, teaching and mentoring skills that enhance your nursing practice and career advancement.
Knowledge Refresh
Teaching students reinforces your own knowledge and encourages you to stay current with the latest evidence-based practices.
Recognition
Preceptors receive recognition from both healthcare facilities and educational institutions, often with certificates and credentials for their portfolio.
Workforce Development
By helping to train the next generation of nurses, you contribute directly to addressing the nursing shortage and improving healthcare in South Dakota.
Resources & Toolkits
Daisy Award for Nursing Students
The DAISY Award is a global recognition program created by the DAISY Foundation to honor nurses (and nursing students, educators, and leaders) who go above and beyond in providing compassionate, exceptional care. It is built around four key principles: Partnering with...
SDBON Preceptor Course
A free course designed specifically for nurses responsible for precepting nursing students.
Preceptor Recognition Programs
Registered Nurses who have precepted USD nursing students are eligible for this award. Criteria: Communicates clearly and respectfully. Is encouraging and patient Role models critical thinking Maintains enthusiasm while precepting Demonstrates expertise in clinical...
Preceptor of the Semester
Each semester, SDNN recognizes outstanding clinical preceptors who model professionalism, critical thinking, and compassionate care.
Spring 2025 Winner: Annie Christensen - Avera Milbank Area Hospital
Nominated by a grateful student nurse, Annie Christiansen is recognized as an exemplary preceptor who leads with integrity, kindness, and clinical excellence. She communicates clearly and respectfully, sets high yet supportive expectations, and patiently walks students through each procedure step by step. Annie models critical thinking by seeing the big picture, noticing subtle changes in patient conditions, and teaching students how to connect every detail of care. While pursuing continued education herself, she demonstrates daily compassion, integrity, and professionalism, setting a gold standard for mentorship and nursing leadership.
Spring 2025 Preceptor of the Semester Nominees:
- Grace Pokorny– Unity Point Health- St. Lukes, Sioux City, IA
- Asia Williamson– Avera McKennan NICU, Sioux Falls, SD
- Sage Pulse– Sanford Health Medical Oncology, Sioux Falls, SD
- Stephanie Reinhardt– Freeman Regional Health Services, Freeman, SD
- Ashley Higgins– Pioneer Memorial Hospital, Viborg, SD
- Annie Christensen– Avera Milbank Area Hospital, Milbank, SD
- April Hoffman– Avera McKennan Oncology, Sioux Falls, SD
- Jadyn Tegantvoort– Prairie Lakes Hospital Med Surg, Watertown, SD
Preceptor Excellence Program
Support the development of the nursing workforce by creating exceptional preceptorship experiences within your organization.
Develop Exceptional Nurse Preceptors
Our Preceptor Excellence Program provides comprehensive resources, training, and support for healthcare organizations looking to develop strong preceptorship programs and cultivate skilled nurse preceptors.
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- Structured preceptor training programs and materials
- Tools for effective student-preceptor matching
- Resources for preceptor recognition and incentives
- Strategies for managing preceptor workload
- Evaluation tools to measure program success
- Creative models to address preceptor supply challenges
Get involved with Action Team 3
Interested in supporting nursing student recruitment and helping develop resources for future nurses? Connect with us to learn more about how you can contribute to this important work.
Preceptors and Students
