Operating room registered nurse Brittany Jones has worked at Columbus Regional Health for more than five years, and during that time she has made a positive impact on those around her, particularly among nursing students she supports as a preceptor. In May, Brittany will be recognized as IUPUC’s School of Nursing CRH Preceptor of the Year. Nominations for the award come from nursing students.

A nurse preceptor helps nursing students and new CRH nurses understand the processes and procedures of the department – “the why behind what we’re doing,” Brittany said. She further described the preceptor role as a “safety net” for the new nurses to ask questions about something they do not understand. A preceptor may have up to 10 nursing students per year, not including nurses who are new to the department. The students are able to attend a surgery during the preceptorship. Preceptors also help students during their Capstone projects. 

Brittany comes from a long line of nurses in her family, though she originally planned to become a physician. She changed her mind based on her desire to be able to spend more one-on-one time with each patient. She enjoys the variety of work her job brings. “Every day is a learning experience. I don’t have time to be bored,” she said. Last year she became one of the lead operating room nurses. In that role, she helps set up and orchestrate cases between surgeons, anesthesiologists, and surgery staff to get them up and running. She has appreciated the opportunity to advance in her career through new roles and education and learning by attending conferences and earning certifications. Much like how she helps new nurses as a preceptor, Brittany’s grateful for her manager, Sherri Lang, whom she described as “willing to do whatever it takes to help out the team.”

While the IUPUC award came as a surprise to her, serving as a preceptor is a meaningful part of her work. “I really enjoy teaching, and it kind of helps me connect with why I started being a nurse in the first place,” Brittany said.

Thank you for all you do to support new nurses, Brittany, and congratulations on your much deserved recognition!