A Supervised Practice Experience (SPE) is an option certain individuals can use to qualify for registration with BCCNM. With an approved SPE proposal, applicants are granted provisional registration for a period of six months in order to complete 400 hours of supervised practice under the guidance and supervision of a qualified preceptor.
Roles and responsibilities
Find out more about the roles and responsibilities of the SPE applicant, employer, and preceptor.
Choosing a preceptor
The preceptor must:
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Have worked at least one year in the chosen practice area
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Be competent, willing, and available for every shift worked by the applicant completing the SPE (or an alternate in extenuating circumstances)
It is the responsibility of the preceptor to determine if the applicant meets BCCNM's Standards of Practice by the end of the SPE. The preceptor acts as a resource, role model, mentor, coach, supervisor, and evaluator. It’s important that the preceptor is supportive and encouraging and is able to provide feedback in a tactful and straight forward manner.
Participating in an SPE can potentially increase the workload and stress of a preceptor, especially in the initial stages of the experience. It may be necessary to lighten the workload of the preceptor in the first few weeks.
Practice issues or concerns
If practice issues or concerns are identified during the supervised practice experience, managers should:
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Contact BCCNM Registration Monitoring Consultant at
registrationmonitoring@bccnm.ca to provide a summary of the concerns identified and discuss next steps as required.
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If the preceptor or area manager determines the nurse does not have the competence to practice safely, they may remove the nurse from practice and contct the BCCNM Registration Monitoring Consultant immediately.
SPE Completion and Evaluation
Upon implementation of the learning plan, the preceptor will complete a performance appraisal using
Form 90: SPE Evaluation Form and submit to BCCNM along with a copy of the completed SPE learning plan.
Learn more about practice limitations of SPE participants and the role of employers in evaluating the SPE.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the benefit of participating in an SPE from the employer perspective?
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An SPE may be an opportunity to assess the individual as a potential employee and to decrease costs associated with orientation time if the individual is hired.
- Do applicants completing SPE have professional liability protection?
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As a provisional registrant, applicants completing an SPE are covered by
Professional Liability Protection the same as practising RNs. However, you should discuss the SPE with a member of the Risk Management team, Professional Practice Office, or Human Resources team.