Preceptor of the Year

Process:

Nominations are accepted until January 4, 2026, at 11:59 pm.  Nomination exemplars must have a minimum of 300 words and include specific examples in order to be eligible.  Nominations are de-identified and assigned by category to committee members for review. The selection committee scores nominations ranking them based on evidence provided within the nomination exemplar.

Award recipients are announced at a presentation event during Nurses' Week each year in May.

Purpose:

To recognize an outstanding nursing preceptor.

Eligibility:

• Nominees must have been employed by UVA Health for at least 12 months.
• Nominees must have completed their area orientation by time of submission.
• The nominee’s manager/direct supervisor must support the nomination.
• Any Community health employee may nominate any nurse for this award.
• Nominees must meet preceptor requirements as defined

Criteria:

Specific examples must be cited for nominations to be considered.  These examples should have occurred within the last 12 months and be written as narratives or stories consistent with the award criteria.  They should also demonstrate the nominee’s involvement in patient care activities.  Nominations will only be considered if they include specific examples.  A specific example must be submitted for each criterion in order to be considered complete and valid.  Any clinical acts referenced must be consistent with policies and procedures outlined by UVA Health.  Written nominations should provide evidence of how the professional nurse nominated in this category displays these characteristics:

• ROLE MODEL: Role models professional nursing behaviors.
• LEARNING NEEDS ASSESSMENT: Demonstrates expert ability to assess the learning needs of others and tailor the orientation process to meet individual needs.  Provides orientees with safe learning experience, allowing opportunity for questions and carefully explaining opportunities for improvement.  Explains policy and standard work clearly and thoroughly.  Actively seeks out learning opportunities and experiences for teaching.
• PROMOTES PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Consistent use of practice opportunities to foster the development of individual staff.  Facilitates transition into practice for both new and experienced nurses.
• EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION: Demonstrates respectful and exemplary communication skills with patients, families, and other members of the health care team.  Provides skilled feedback and demonstrates an ability to have crucial conversations.

**Click Here to Submit a Nomination**

Nominations will open July 1, 2025, and Close January 4, 2026, at 11:59 pm