Formal Meeting with Clinical Preceptor

9/15/09

9.00am - 10.00am

Today was my first formal introduction to my clinical preceptor (Julia Colvin). Last week we spoke on the phone about my request for observation/learning experiences of her roles and responsibilities as the facilities administrator of which she gladly agreed to and she signed the required document. My first task for the day was to review the course clinical objectives as well as my personal clinical objectives (rough draft) with her and also to set up a tentative clinical schedule based on her availability. She gave me a brief overview of her nursing and management experiences and how it has fostered her professional development. Julia Colvin has been in the nephrology industry for over 15years. She started off as a staff nurse in an acute dialysis hospital, and worked her way up into management as a nursing supervisor and eventually a facility administrator. She is responsible for the day- to-day operation of an outpatient dialysis facility that provides services for approximately 120patients. This facility has 3 clinics; in-center hemodialysis unit, peritoneal dialysis unit, and home- hemo training unit as a result her responsibilities and duties are enormous and broad.

I believe this whole experience will not only improve my prior knowledge but also my competence on how to utilize effective leadership and management techniques to ensure positive clinical outcomes.