As you may know, NARM has an Accountability process for clients to file complaints about Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs). In recent years, we have also received complaints regarding Preceptor/Student relationships.
Although we have recognized the challenges with those relationships, we have not had a mechanism to address the issues in the same way we have had with the Client/CPM relationship. We are in the final stages of launching that mechanism based upon the current Accountability process to create a forum where grievances can be voiced.
History of Preceptor/Student Relationship Tools
NARM has been working on tools for improving the relationships between Preceptors and Students for decades and continues to strive for healthy and ethical midwifery training. Here are a few highlights of the improvements NARM has made in recent years.
- 2010: NARM Policy states that a preceptor for a NARM PEP applicant must be credentialed as a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM), Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM), or Licensed Midwife who has an additional three years of experience or 50 births, including ten (10) continuity of care births, beyond the primary birth experience requirements for CPM certification.
- 2014: NARM will not accept clinicals from OOC sites for PEP applicants after June 1, 2014.
- 2017: All NARM Preceptors were required to be registered before supervising any clinicals documented on a student’s NARM application.
- 2018: NARM partnered with GOLD learning and launched a webinar to provide guidance on how to become a Registered NARM Preceptor, an overview of preceptor and student responsibilities, a review of the NARM Application process and documentation of clinical skills, and an exploration of the ethical considerations for the preceptor/student relationship.
- 2020:The Cultural Awareness requirements were revised, so that Registered Preceptors must complete a cultural awareness course with every renewal application.
- 2021: NARM compiled a list of Preceptor Resources to help improve the Preceptor/Student relationship.
- 2021: All NARM Preceptors were required to have a written agreement with their student that outlines the course of study, timelines, and guidelines to ensure expectations are understood by both parties.
- JULY 2022: NARM announced the formation of the NARM Preceptor/Student Accountability committee.
- AUGUST 2022: NARM has created a Preceptor/Student Work Agreement Template to provide an outline for the written agreement. This Preceptor/Student Work Agreement requirement is the basis of the new NARM Preceptor/Student Accountability Process.
- AUGUST 2022: NARM published the new NARM Preceptor/Student Accountability Process
- COMING SOON in 2022: Announcement of NARM Preceptor/Student Accountability Committee members
Preceptor/Student Agreement Template is Available Online!
Effective June 1, 2021, with initial preceptor registration or preceptor renewal, NARM requires that all NARM Registered Preceptors develop a written work agreement that clearly defines expectations for the student, as well as for the Preceptor. NARM has found the most common difficulty in the preceptor/student relationship is poor communication about the responsibilities each person has over the course of the apprenticeship. A clearly written agreement is an indispensable resource to both the student and the preceptor if a dispute occurs.
NARM does not directly supervise the preceptor/student relationship. The NARM Preceptor/Student Accountability process is intended to address issues related to integrity, conduct, and the upholding of written and signed preceptor/student work agreements. NARM strongly suggests the student and preceptor adhere to these agreements, including regular review of the student’s progress, and address any issues in a timely fashion. If the student or preceptor identifies deficiencies but continues to work under conditions contradicting the signed work agreement, NARM reserves the right not to address a related complaint through the accountability process.
A template is available now online!
NARM is Currently Assembling the Preceptor/Student Accountability Committee!
Thank you all for the overwhelming response! We are sending application forms to all the CPMs who volunteered to participate in the Preceptor/Student Accountability Committee. Our next step will be to review applications and assemble the committee.
The committee will include three experienced preceptors and one Student Advocate. The Student Advocate should be a new CPM who has recently been certified through the PEP process.
If you missed our previous request for applications, you can complete the application online to be considered for the committee.
NARM’s New Renewal Deadline
In recent years, expiration dates of Certifications have been the CPM’s birth date. However, NARM has provided a grace period from the actual birth date through the end of the birth month.
With integration of the Certemy portal, this grace period is being phased out. Effective June 1, 2022, expiration dates will now be the actual date listed for Certification or Preceptor Registration.
NARM’s New Online Application Program
Have you registered with Certemy? Certemy is the new online program to process Certification, Recertification, and Preceptor applications. In December 2020, NARM sent an email with information on how to log in to the Certemy system. If you haven’t logged in or need assistance, please email dan@narm.org.
eBlast emailed August 30, 2022