Meet some of our talented nurse preceptors

Jennifer, RN, Preceptor,
The Burn Center
Orientation to the Regions Burn Center typically lasts three to four weeks initially for an experienced medical/surgical RN. New nurses begin taking care of patients on general care; after six to 12 months, nurses will attend critical care courses. Upon completion, they can care for the ICU burn patients. While working with a designated preceptor, the new nurse learns about the assessment of burns, the different degrees of burns, treatment options, burn products, dressing changes, tubs and debridements, and patient education.

Learn more about the Regions Burn Center.

Tamara, RN, Preceptor,
9S (Orthopedics)
Tamara began her nursing career as a new graduate nurse on the orthopedic unit. In time Tamara felt more comfortable and confident in her nursing role; she was selected to be a designated preceptor for new nurses. Tamara completed the educational preceptor programs, Regions Hospital nursing preceptor course, and the TCHP course, "Precepting like a Pro."

"I truly enjoy being a preceptor. It is rewarding to work with and teach other nurses. Everyone comes with such a different background and diversity; I learn from new nurses also. Its so interesting to hear their input and questions as to why we do things the way we do. It fascinates me to discover someone elses thought patterns. I find myself incorporating their great ideas into my nursing practice."



Mark, RN, Preceptor,
The Burn Center
Mark started at Regions in 1986 in the Emergency Department. He was enrolled in nursing school at the University of Minnesota at the time. Upon graduating, he took a position in the float pool, and in 1997 he transferred to the Regions Burn Center, where he remains today.

"I love burn nursing. We care for patients who, at the beginning, are at their very worst and we work with them all the way through their time of discharge. It is rewarding to see and be a part of the patients' recovery." Mark works straight nights as a charge nurse and is also a designated preceptor for new nurses and nursing students. "I like to teach and see people learn; it is incredibly rewarding. Burn nurses care for patients with partial and full thickness burns, skin grafts, muscle and free flaps. I can look at a burn and know exactly what to put on it." Mark has cared for patients from as young as three weeks old to 102 years of age. He is very proud to be a nurse in the Regions Burn Center. Mark states that his coworkers have had a big influence on him. "We function so well as a team, and it's great. I have met some of my best friends here at Regions." Mark is also a volunteer firefighter and teaches fire prevention and burn care at community grade schools and local businesses.