An essential ingredient drives the day's activities--your practice!  On any day, events and learning opportunities will arise that you could not predict or incorporate into your initial plan for precepting.  When you begin each precepting day with the student, overview the day as you expect it to unfold.  If you and the student decide to pursue some unforeseen learning opportunities, give the student responsibility for incorporating the activities that you had originally planned into future plans. 

* Adapted, with permission, from Case, Betty.  (1999).  Advanced Practice Nurse Preceptor Workbook.  Chicago:  Niehoff School of Nursing, University of Chicago.

Learn to perceive your practice setting with a view toward learning opportunities for the student.  Filter your perceptions considering the student's objectives and the unique opportunities available in your practice.  Adjust your plan as opportunities arise and as you observe the student's performance and identify new learning needs.  Flexibility is an important key to precepting success.