Think Safety First when Precepting

Just as with clinical practice, psychological safety is critical to the learning environment. When students experience judgment for inadequacies associated with their lack of experience, they begin to hide their deficiencies rather than engage in growth. Self-confidence gives way to self-consciousness. Hope for success turns into self-doubt. Simple risks feel too risky. Students disengage in the hopes of "playing it safe" rather than being caught making an avoidable mistake. This puts students in the worst possible position to demonstrate what they are truly capable of achieving.