Nurse Preceptorship Grant

The Washington State Student Nurse Preceptorship Grant is administered by the Washington State Board of Nursing, a regulatory body responsible for overseeing nursing practice, education, and workforce development across the state. This grant program was established by the Washington State Legislature to address workforce shortages and clinical training bottlenecks in nursing education. By providing financial reimbursement to licensed nurses who serve as preceptors, the program incentivizes experienced professionals to mentor nursing students in real-world healthcare settings, thereby expanding clinical placement opportunities and strengthening the pipeline of future nurses entering the workforce. The primary purpose of the grant is to reduce the shortage of available clinical training sites while simultaneously increasing the number of qualified nurses entering the Washington healthcare system. The program supports preceptors who supervise students in clinical environments, ensuring that students gain hands-on experience required for licensure. Funding is provided as reimbursement for time and effort spent delivering clinical instruction, rather than as upfront grant awards. This reimbursement model is designed to directly compensate practicing nurses for their instructional contributions without requiring complex project proposals or budgets. Eligible applicants include Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners, Registered Nurses, and Licensed Practical Nurses who meet specific criteria. To qualify, applicants must hold an active nursing license, possess at least one year of clinical or practice experience, and be employed at an approved practice site affiliated with an approved nursing education program. The program also includes considerations for government-employed nurses, advising them to verify compliance with applicable ethics laws before accepting funds. Additionally, all applicants are encouraged to consult with their employers to ensure that participation does not conflict with workplace policies regarding supplemental compensation. To receive reimbursement, preceptors must complete at least eighty hours of qualifying clinical instruction per student and may supervise up to two students per term. Clinical hours must occur in approved facilities tied to Washington State nursing programs, and only specific student populations are eligible, including final-term pre-licensure RN and LPN students and ARNP students in any clinical phase. Certain programs, such as RN to BSN pathways and refresher courses, are explicitly excluded from funding eligibility. These requirements ensure that funds are directed toward high-impact clinical training experiences that directly support licensure pathways. The application process is structured around reimbursement cycles rather than a traditional open application window. Applicants must first obtain a Statewide Vendor Number through the Office of Financial Management, which enables payment processing. They must then enroll in direct deposit and complete an online Preceptor Hours Reporting Form by the applicable cycle deadline. Supporting verification of hours is submitted separately by the nursing program. Applications are only accepted for the current cycle, and incomplete submissions are not eligible for payment. Once all documentation is received, reimbursement processing may take up to ten weeks. The program operates on a recurring quarterly cycle with defined preceptorship periods and firm documentation deadlines. For example, the Summer cycle covers preceptorships ending between July first and August thirty-first, with a submission deadline of September fifteenth. Other cycles include Fall, Winter, and Spring, each with corresponding deadlines. These cycles repeat annually, making the program a recurring funding opportunity. Applicants must strictly adhere to deadlines, as late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances. For additional support, the Board of Nursing provides informational sessions, training resources, and direct contact options. Applicants can reach the program team via email or phone for assistance with the process. Educational materials, including training modules and program guidelines, are also available to help preceptors fulfill their roles effectively. Overall, the grant program combines financial incentives, structured guidance, and regulatory oversight to enhance clinical education capacity and support the long-term sustainability of the nursing workforce in Washington State.

Submit all required documents by the exact deadline. Ensure employer policy allows grant acceptance. Use direct deposit for faster payment.