Meet Our Preceptors

Ann Quinn Syrett has a 25-year nursing career with a background in pediatric and adult ICUs as well as hematology/oncology. She precepts adult acute care, family, and adult gero nurse practitioner students. Here, she reflects on her precepting experience:

What can students expect when precepting with you?

Nurse practitioner students are involved with multidisciplinary team rounds and care coordination optimizing holistic support for patients and their loved ones dealing with serious illness. Students increase their knowledge base in assessment and treatment of pain. They are introduced to opioid conversion calculations and multimodal adjuvant therapies to promote coping. They gain valuable experience in caring for patients at end of life and providing education and support for their loved ones. Students also gain experience with documentation of assessment and plan and practice inputting orders into Erecord.

Why do you choose to precept?

I choose to precept to support the future success of practitioners and our profession. I’m particularly passionate about increasing awareness of the palliative care specialty promoting best symptom management and quality of life regardless of where someone is in their disease trajectory.

As a family nurse practitioner, I routinely incorporate the family systems theory into my practice understanding that everyone is effected by the crisis of a sick loved one. Thus, introducing more positive coping strategies and providing anticipatory guidance on grief and loss can have a lasting ripple effect for future generations.

What advice would you give to clinicians or health care leaders who are considering precepting or new to the mentor role?

For those considering precepting, I would encourage them to do it! We all work hard and there never seems to be enough time. However, I believe precepting is a protective measure against burn out and compassion fatigue.

My students inspire and remind me of why our work matters and it’s fulfilling to share stories and experiences of kindness at times of great loss and sadness. Sharing your time and knowledge with future providers is a meaningful and worthwhile endeavor!

Meet Our Preceptors