Kathryn Brault loves her job, and that’s why she’s a preceptor for the WSU College of Nursing and other schools.
As a preceptor, she’s one of the many experienced practitioners who volunteer their time to instruct and supervise nursing students during clinical training. Brault is a Family Nurse Practitioner who runs a specialty clinic in the Tri-Cities for diabetes patients, and also precepts students at Grace Clinic, which provides free health care to people in need.
Why does she do it?
“Medicine in general is something we learn best by doing,” said Brault, who earned her RN-BSN and MN degrees from the WSU College of Nursing. She believes mentoring students helps her continue to hone her clinical skills, because “when you have to explain and teach something, you become more aware.”
Also, it’s important for practitioners to give back to the profession. “That’s what makes medicine good, that we all collaborate,” she said.
Nursing students appreciate the time Brault spends with them. Said one student, “Kathy has a great way of explaining information so it makes sense.”
Brault said her work as a volunteer preceptor is satisfying. “I love what I do, and I want other people to see how rewarding it can be.”
Visit our Preceptor Portal for information on being a WSU College of Nursing preceptor.
