In 2013, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics declared April as National Preceptor Month! To celebrate, the Idaho Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics asks Idaho Registered Dietitians and Dietetic Technicians, Registered to recognize those who volunteered to mentor and teach them in their workplaces as well as to thank preceptors who are currently volunteering to mentor students. 

Along with recognizing preceptors, it is also a time to ask Idaho Registered Dietitians to consider becoming a preceptor. The Academy’s goal is to continue to recruit preceptors across the U.S. in the hope that qualified dietetics students will be able to complete their education in order to become registered dietitian nutritionists of our future. 

What do Preceptors do? 

Preceptors make a difference in the lives of students who are learning to become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists or Nutrition and Dietetics Technicians, Registered by acting as a mentor and training the dietetic professionals. 

Preceptors…

• Teach and model knowledge, skills, professional values and behaviors needed for students to successfully complete practitioner competencies
• Instill the need in interns or students for patient advocacy, lifelong learning, evidence-based practice and giving back to the profession
• Supervise the practice abilities of the intern or student on a regular basis
• Evaluate the intern or student, providing feedback for improvement and documenting her/his progress

Is There a Need for Preceptors in My Area?

Contact an ACEND representative at preceptor@eatright.org and request a list of internship programs needing preceptors or mentors in your area. On occasion, students may contact you to see if you are willing to precept them. If so, ask for the name of the program and information about the program’s expectations.

Top 10 Reasons to Become a Preceptor

• Interns are a great source of future employees
• Interns are knowledgeable about new technology
• Experience the joy of teaching
• Interns bring energy and enthusiasm to your practice
• Teaching interns keeps RDNs current in the field of dietetics
• It’s rewarding to give back to the profession
• Feel the excitement of being involved in a dynamic educational program
• Remember, preceptors helped current RDNs get where they are today
• Adds prestige to the job
• Makes the job more exciting and interactive

To learn more, go to www.eatrightacend.org/preceptors

*National Preceptor Information comes from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics  

*Posted by Rachelle Ausman, RDN, LD (Idaho Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Social Media Chair)