EP 117: Strengthening the Student–Preceptor Relationship to Support New Graduate Nurses

In this episode of the Coffee Break Podcast, Dr. Renee Thompson sits down with Dr. Heidi Kosanke to explore one of the most critical, and often overlooked, issues in nursing today: how we prepare and support preceptors and students during the transition to practice.

Together, Renee and Heidi unpack what shifted in clinical education after the pandemic, why so many preceptors feel unprepared, and how this gap directly impacts new graduate confidence, communication, and retention. Heidi shares insights from her research and real-world experience, including how inadequate preceptor preparation can unintentionally contribute to stress, incivility, and unsafe learning environments.

This episode is especially valuable for nurse leaders, educators, academic partners, and anyone invested in creating stronger academic–practice partnerships and healthier transitions for new nurses.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why the transition to practice really begins in the final semester of nursing school

• The hidden gaps in traditional preceptor training programs

• How poor preparation contributes to stress, incivility, and moral distress

• Practical strategies to support preceptors, students, and faculty

• Why well-being and clinical judgment must be taught together

• How academic–practice partnerships can become a true win–win

About Dr. Heidi Kosanke

Dr. Heidi Kosanke, DNP, MSN/Ed, RN, is an Assistant Clinical Professor and Program Director at the University of Arizona College of Nursing. She has over 20 years of nursing experience and is passionate about preparing practice-ready nurses who can remain resilient in the face of challenges.

Heidi is the co-author of Building Social Resilience in Nursing, a workbook designed to help nursing students develop strong social support systems and positive coping skills. Her work focuses on improving the confidence, well-being, and self-efficacy of nurse preceptors so they can better support students and new graduate nurses during the transition to practice.

Links & Resources

• Connect with Dr. Heidi Kosanke on LinkedIn

• Email Heidi at heidi@enhancedpreceptors.com

• Check out her company on LinkedIn

• Check out her website: www.enhancedpreceptors.com

• Download your copy of our 33 Scripts to Address Disruptive Behavior When You Don’t Know What to Say

• Check out Renee Thompson’s newly revised book and #1 Amazon Best Seller Enough! Eradicating Bullying & Incivility: Strategies for Front Line Leaders here!

• Check out Renee Thompson’s book Do No Harm Applies to Nurses Too! Strategies to Protect and Bully-proof Yourself at Work here!

• Learn more about the Eradicating Bullying & Incivility eLearning Program here!

Have a question for Renee?

Email us at wecare@healthyworkforceinstitute.com to have your leadership question featured in an upcoming Q&A episode!

Disclosure: The host may be compensated for linking to other sites or for sales of products we link to. As an Amazon Associate, Coffee Break earns from qualifying purchases.

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