Sharon F. Mallette, RN, MPH, FNPBC¹, Sharon Loury, RN, PhD¹, Martha K. Engelke, RN, PhD², and Alta Andrews, RN, DrPH². (1) School of Nursing: Department of Family and Community Nursing, East Carolina University, Rivers Building, Greenville, NC 27858-4353, (252) 328 - 4326, Mallettes@mail.ecu.edu, (2) School of Nursing: Department of Family and Community Nursing, East Carolina University, Rivers Building, Greenville, NC 27858 - 4353

The Integrative Clinical Preceptor Model (ICPM) provides a clinical framework for teaching aggregate health care to undergraduate Community Health Nursing Students. Central to the ICPM is reciprocal collaboration between students, preceptors and faculty, all striving to optimize the health of vulnerable populations. This model represents a paradigm shift from the traditional teaching model to one that fosters an integrated approach to student learning. Based on the ICPM, students, preceptors and faculty have specific roles, responsibilities and rewards. Implementation of the ICPM results in individualized, population-focused, clinical experiences that incorporate the service learning concept. Students function as both learner and active member of the interdisciplinary team, providing varied aspects of population care. Empowerment of preceptors is inherent within the Integrated Clinical Preceptor Model, it expands their scope of service as they teach and mentor students. The impact of ICPM for faculty includes greater productivity and flexibility, enabling them to address the unique learning needs of each student, facilitate networking among community health nurses and collaborate in scholarship and research activities. The aim of ICPM is to address clinical education needs of undergraduate community nursing students with a focus on aggregate care, however, unanticipated benefits emerge. Preceptors gain support with documenting practice outcomes and planning for career mobility. Also, new approaches evolve to recruit faculty and graduate students into community health nursing. Overall, the faculty, students and preceptors form a shared commitment to improve the care of vulnerable populations within the region.

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