Interpersonal Relationship Conduct

This section will explain the conduct needed as a Preceptor pertaining to interpersonal relationships; including professionalism, positive role model characteristics, nondiscriminatory conduct and lastly the steps to managing confrontational problems with ATS's as a Preceptor

Interpersonal Relationships/Professionalism as a Preceptor

1. As a Preceptor, you will be closely observed by ATSs who hope to become an AT; therefore, it is extremely important that you demonstrate interpersonal relationships that encourage ATSs regarding the profession of athletic training.
2. The Preceptor must be seen as a professional supervisor by the ATSs. Any relationship beyond that is inappropriate and could be deemed unethical.

Preceptor Relationships

1. Preceptors should model appropriate and professional interpersonal relationships when interacting with colleagues, patients/clients and administrators.
2. Preceptors are a positive role model and mentor for ATSs. Your efforts and work ethic are noticed by ATSs.
3. Athletic training is an allied health care profession; thus the Preceptor's behavior and professionalism should reflect this

Nondiscrimination and Conduct

1. Preceptors must demonstrate respect for gender, racial, ethnic, religious and individual differences when interacting with people.
2. Allied health care providers, including Athletic Trainers, provide quality services to all individuals. Therefore, Preceptors must demonstrate this to ATSs by their words and actions.
3. If the Preceptor has an open and approachable demeanor to ATSs when working in the clinical setting, ATSs will want to learn from the Preceptor. Otherwise, it could create an unwelcoming environment causing the ATS to not seek instruction and learning from the Preceptor.

Steps to Manage Confrontation

1. Please follow the proper chain of command when problems arise with ATSs. Approach the ATS and communicate one on one in person(not through email or text please) what the problem is and how it should be fixed.
   1. Initial communication between Preceptor(s) and ATS - Documentation recommended
   2. Contact clinical education coordinator if repeated problems occur or severity of incident is extreme-Documentation required
   3. Schedule meeting(s) between Preceptors, ATS, clinical education coordinator and program director to discuss conflict resolution-Documentation required

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