“An aging U.S. population and the increasing complexity of care have intensified the demand for nurses, and a critical shortage of clinical instructors and preceptors (CIPs) threatens the nursing workforce pathway. Experienced nurses are frequently assigned preceptor roles without formal preparation in clinical teaching, feedback, or learner evaluation, which contributes to dissatisfaction and burnout among CIPs and learners alike. Clinical teaching should be attractive, engaging, and meaningful to CIPs rather than a
source of personal liability or stress. Nurses often report that they are not asked, compensated, trained, or resourced to precept—even though it is known that CIPs require specialized, evidence-based training and practical resources to help prepare the next generation of nurses. The challenge is compounded by limited access to high-quality continuing education specifically designed for clinical teaching roles. Available training
resources either require out-of-pocket costs or restrict participation to highly selective programs for baccalaureate-prepared clinical nurses.”

“This academy was built in response to a simple reality in nursing today: Many nurses and APRNs are asked to teach before they feel ready. They are often entrusted with teaching because they are high-performing employees who show clinical competence, but clinical competence is not the same as teaching competence. The academy addresses this common pitfall by reframing clinical teaching as a learnable skill set rather than a natural byproduct of professional experience. The academy received high quantitative feedback and a majority of positive qualitative feedback. One reason for this high performance is intentional learning sequencing, beginning with foundational concepts and theories of nursing education. Participants receive ample time and flexibility to internalize ideas independently through online modules before applying lessons in practice. Simulations and in-person activities build tactical experience and confidence.”

Woods, E. L., Weston, J. B., Pustinger, M. S., Clement, D. M., Hayes, R. K., & Phan, Q. T. (2026). Closing the Gap: A Clinical Instructor and Preceptor Academy to Address Educator Shortages and Improve Teaching Confidence. Journal of continuing education in nursing, 1–7.