University of Cincinnati
07/28/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/29/2026 14:18
Four outstanding preceptors recognized for shaping the next generation of nurses
Four outstanding preceptors recognized for shaping the next generation of nurses
6 minute read July 28, 2026 Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn Share on Reddit Print Story Like
Every nursing student's journey includes a mentor who helps transform theory into practice. In hospitals, clinics, and community settings, preceptors provide hands-on guidance that helps students build confidence, refine clinical judgment, and develop the skills needed to care for patients independently.
For University of Cincinnati (UC) College of Nursing students, these clinical mentors are more than teachers, they are role models who demonstrate what it means to lead with compassion, professionalism, and excellence.
"Preceptors are indispensable partners in nursing education," said UC College of Nursing Dean Alicia Ribar, PhD, RN. "They generously share their time, expertise, and experience to prepare our students for the realities of practice. Their mentorship not only shapes clinical competence but also inspires the confidence, curiosity, and compassion that define exceptional nurses and advanced practice providers."
Each year, the University of Cincinnati College of Nursing recognizes outstanding clinical educators through its Outstanding Preceptor Awards. Nominated by the students they mentor, the awards honor two prelicensure preceptors and two advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) preceptors - one from the Greater Cincinnati region and one from outside the region -whose commitment to teaching has made an extraordinary impact on student learning and professional development.
Meet the four outstanding preceptors recognized this year for their exceptional commitment to student learning.
Prelicensure Preceptor Awards
Amanda Weber, RN
Obstetrics, Trihealth Good Samaritan Hospital
Amanda Weber (right) receiving her award from UC College of Nursing leadership
Nominated by Accelerated Direct-Entry MSN student Jamie Benson, Amanda Weber was recognized for creating a supportive clinical environment where students were encouraged to take an active role in patient care while receiving thoughtful coaching and feedback.
Weber began each obstetrics shift by discussing learning goals and intentionally created opportunities for students to lead assessments, manage admissions, and guide laboring patients with her support nearby. She paired every clinical experience with reflection and discussion, strengthening both technical skills and clinical judgment.
Her mentorship also extended beyond the bedside, providing resume reviews, career advice and encouragement as her student prepared to enter the nursing profession.
"She modeled the kind of nurse I aspire to be - patient, knowledgeable, compassionate and truly invested in both her patients and colleagues," Benson wrote on Weber's nomination. "This experience provided the confidence and foundation I needed to begin practice as a registered nurse."
Kaitlyn Smith, RN
Transitional Care Center, Cincinnati Children's Hospital
Kaitlyn Smith showcasing her award
Kaitlyn Smith was nominated by Anja Fleege, a 2026 Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduate, for fostering a learning environment where students felt safe asking questions, developing new skills, and growing into confident clinicians.
She consistently challenged Fleege to think critically, understand the reasoning behind clinical decisions, and reflect on every patient encounter. Whether teaching tracheostomy care, navigating complex family interactions or introducing new procedures during a busy shift, Smith balanced hands-on learning with patient guidance and meaningful feedback.
"She created an environment where it felt safe to learn, make mistakes and ask questions without fear of judgment," Fledge stated on Smith's nomination. "By believing in her student's potential and creating opportunities to grow, she helped transform uncertainty into confidence."
Advanced Practice Preceptor Awards
Kelsey Bowen, MSN, ACNP-BC
Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit, UC Medical Center
Kelsey Bowen (center) receiving her award from UC College of Nursing leadership
As a preceptor in the Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit, Kelsey Bowen challenged Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner student Preston Caldwell to think beyond protocols and develop the clinical reasoning required in one of health care's most demanding environments.
Instead of simply demonstrating procedures, Bowen encouraged Caldwell to interpret imaging independently, anticipate patient presentations, and connect neurophysiology with bedside assessment. Even during high-acuity emergencies, she created opportunities for guided autonomy, coaching rather than taking over and helping him develop confidence under pressure.
"Kelsey taught me how to think under fire. She didn't just teach me the specialty; she made me fall in love with the complexity and the high-stakes advocacy it requires," Caldwell described on his nomination. "Beyond developing clinical expertise, she modeled calm leadership, collaboration, and compassionate advocacy."
Nicole Smith, CNM
OBGYN Associates of St. Augustine, Florida
Nicole Smith was recognized by Nurse Midwifery MSN student Alexandra Rorabaugh for her unwavering commitment to creating individualized learning experiences while supporting her professional and personal growth.
Throughout the rotation, Smith intentionally sought opportunities to expand Rorabaugh's experiences, including first assisting in cesarean sections, participating in Centering Pregnancy groups, observing gynecologic procedures, and attending professional development activities. She also served as a trusted mentor, offering career guidance, schedule flexibility, and personal support throughout the clinical experience.
Smith helped Rorabaugh build both competence and confidence while reinforcing the importance of evidence-based practice and lifelong learning.
"She really has helped to build my confidence to practice and has helped me to never feel bad about saying, 'I don't know the answer,'" Rorabaugh stated in her nomination. "By modeling excellence in patient care while emphasizing self-care and continuous professional growth, Nicole demonstrated the kind of advanced practice provider I hope to become."
The University of Cincinnati College of Nursing is grateful for the dedicated clinicians who invest in the next generation of registered nurses and advanced practice providers. Their willingness to teach, mentor and inspire strengthens not only our students but the future of the nursing profession itself.
Featured image: Dr. Jamie Heck, UC College of Nursing Sr. Assistant Dean Clinical for Placement & Operations hands the Outstanding Preceptor Award to Kaitlyn Smith. Photo provided.
Related Stories
1
Nurses are in high demand
March 3, 2026
WCPO recently spoke with faculty and students at UC College of Nursing about the education pipeline needed to train more nurses to meet a growing demand for healthcare nationally.
2
New digs for the UC College of Nursing
March 19, 2026
The UC Board of Trustees approved $8 million for the design and preconstruction phase for a Holmes Hospital renovation. The updated site will serve as the new home for the UC College of Nursing.
3
Health care industry is hiring despite a job market that has cooled
April 16, 2026
The US labor market has cooled but the demand for health care workers, expecially skilled nurses, remains strong. Interviews with UC College of Nursing admininstrators Dr. Donna Green and Dr. Lindsay Davis were part of a WCPO segment on health care industry hiring.
University of Cincinnati published this content on July 28, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on July 29, 2026 at 20:18 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]