A preceptor is an experienced registered nurse who provides support and guidance to students (preceptees) during clinical placement. Preceptors may also provide transitional support to new graduates and staff members within their health care agency.

The Nursing Board of Tasmania's Guidelines for the Supervision of Students in the Practice Setting provides the following description of a preceptor:

'A preceptor is an experienced and competent registered nurse who has received formal preceptor training to function in this capacity and who serves as a clinical role model and resource person to a student or newly employed nurse (preceptee)...Preceptors work closely with preceptees on an ongoing basis to plan the orientation, clinical practice/learning experiences, monitor preceptee's progress, provide feedback on preceptee's performance and help the preceptee feel welcome and integrated into the nursing practice setting and nursing team...'