Nursing

June 11, 2025

New award celebrates preceptor contributions

The WISE Awards celebrate preceptors working in any clinical capacity who have gone above and beyond in their training responsibilities.

Vanderbilt Nursing is introducing a new series of annual awards designed to recognize exceptional clinical preceptors throughout Vanderbilt Health.

The WISE Awards celebrate preceptors working in any clinical capacity who have gone above and beyond in their training responsibilities.

“Preceptors are essential to our team and mission at VUMC,” said Ashley Corn, DNP, RN, nursing education specialist. “They help foster a supportive environment where new employees feel welcomed, capable and confident. As a vital resource for new staff, preceptors ensure successful onboarding, supporting individuals in delivering safe and patient-centered care.

“Without a preceptor’s experience, knowledge and commitment, clinical education would not be successful. It’s important we acknowledge these individuals who go above and beyond in their role.”

In 2023, a pilot program for the first preceptor award group, launched within Vanderbilt Adult Ambulatory Operations at Vanderbilt University Hospital to publicly acknowledge preceptors, was led by Ann Benco, MS, RN, CNOR, nursing education specialist.

“It’s been so rewarding to witness the reactions of the winners. It brings joy to everyone involved in the process,” Benco said. “We’ve been able to highlight the winners, recognize other nominees, and celebrate our preceptors for investing in the future of our clinic staff.”

Through that initial framework, Kathryn Collier, MSN, RN, senior nursing projects manager, collaborated with preceptor workgroups to develop a system-wide process that acknowledges individuals uniquely engaging and shaping the next generation of health care workers.

“We recognize the many responsibilities preceptors have to juggle day to day and wanted to highlight the real impact they are making,” said Collier said.

Following the success of the pilot and workgroups, The WISE Awards were officially created. These annual awards will now recognize four preceptors at each hospital system within Vanderbilt Health under the following categories:

  • Evaluator: Encourages individuals to set goals, monitor learning and progress and provide helpful direction.
  • Facilitator: Creates a supportive learning environment by providing physical resources and sharing clinical expertise.
  • Teacher: Demonstrates effective instruction, fosters understanding and facilitates hands-on learning.
  • Protector: Ensures a safe work environment and safeguards against errors through guided support.

“These awards will bring well-deserved recognition and honor to individuals who possess the skill sets essential to building pathways for the success of our new employees,” said Crystal Dilworth Jackson, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, senior director of nursing education and professional development.

Eligible nominees include preceptors in clinical roles such as nurses, care partners, medical assistants, emergency medical technicians, patient care technicians, and more.

Anyone can submit a nomination for The WISE Awards untilJune 30. Award recipients will be notified in August.

To submit nominations, click here.