Examples of Potential Preceptor Responses for Certain Situations with Students in Clinical Setting
Below are some common scenarios in which preceptors may need to have a conversation with the student about an uncomfortable or awkward situation.
Scenario 1: Cultural competency case with a student
Example A
Your student has a patient with a language barrier. When they come to finally present, they sigh and comment that their history and refraction took longer due to the language barrier.
Potential Response
You can take over the exam, and then model the strategies that can be used in the exam to efficiently provide care, including use of an interpreter, diagrams and hand gestures etc. A preceptor’s anger or frustration over the exam running long does not take into account the possibility that it is the student’s first time encountering patients who do not speak the primary language they know and learned.
Example B
Your international student keeps nodding respectfully when you talk to them. However, it seems the student keeps repeating some of the same mistakes, so you wonder if the student may not be understanding your messaging.
Potential Response
The importance of cultural sensitivity extends to the student as well. One approach is to ask the student if they are having trouble understanding your feedback, because you have noticed that they seem to be repeating the same mistakes. Another approach is to say that you are having difficulty assessing if they understand your feedback completely, and ask if you could discuss this further to help them with any questions they may still have.
Scenario 2: Behavioral health case with a student
Example A
Your student comes to you to present their case but reveals to you that the patient has shown blatant anger and disrespect by using racial slurs and profanity. They admit that they are uncomfortable moving forward with providing care to the patient.
Potential Response
Safety comes first, but it’s also important to understand the dynamics of the situation. Your job as a preceptor is to take care of two people, your student and your patient. It will be important to go into the exam room to assess the situation and likely take over the exam if discrimination is occurring. If it continues, termination of the patient is an option, in cooperation with your practice administration. Be sure to be aware of clinc policies in the event of needing to dismiss a patient or to call securit in a threatening situation.
Example B
Your student is very anxious in the clinic and seems to be very shaky. You notice this and need to assess if they are able to stay in patient care or should go home.
Potential Response
Ask the student to come into your office in a private space. Calmly and with compassion state that you notice they aren’t themselves, and ask if anything is going on. Their response will likely help you to decide on next steps and consider looping in Student Services if needed for extra help/counseling.
Scenario 3: Personal problems with student
Example A
You seem to have a personality conflict with a student. You just don’t seem to communicate the same way or have much in common. Individual conversations are stilted.
Potential Response
Continue to act professionally, and communicate with a smile. Treat them equitably and with respect, and ask them if everything is ok once in a while. It may not be about you, but something else that is going on in their personal life.
Example B
Student shows up 30 minutes late to clinic on multiple instances and does not seem prepared. You have met with the other students already to prepare for the session.
Potential Response
First determine if the student is ok and ask if there are situations keeping them from arriving at the clinic on time. Loop in clinic administration to determine best steps forward for professionalism.
