Larra Newcomb--Outstanding Preceptor Award

Congratulations to Larra Newcomb, RN, on CRMH 10MPCU on winning and Outstanding Preceptor Award! Members of the Nursing Center of Excellence along with NPIFs and Transition to Nursing Practice presented the award to Larra beside unit leadership and 10MPCU nursing team. Not only is Larra an Outstanding Preceptor Award winner, she has also recently received a Daisy award--what a superstar!!

Larra's nomination reads:

"I am a James Madison University Nursing student graduating in December 2023 and I just completed my practicum with Larra Newcomb as my preceptor. I was a participant in the Summer SOAR program in June 2023 with Larra as my preceptor as well. Larra was very welcoming to me as a student and was the most hard-working and dedicated nurse I have worked with throughout nursing school. Larra demonstrated the role of protector every shift I was with her by reading over the facility policies for each procedure and walking me through how to perform them before we even stepped into a patient's room. For example, we read over the straight catheter procedure policy and looked through the contents of the kit to make sure that I was prepared, then she observed me throughout the procedure to ensure both the patient's and my own safety. Larra demonstrated the role of educator/coach every shift by encouraging me to have the confidence in my abilities as a nurse and instructing/supporting me through every procedure and patient encounter. I felt extremely supported and comfortable performing skills I had not yet had the opportunity to perform with her as my preceptor. After every procedure I participated in, Larra gave me constructive feedback on how I performed. This exemplified the role of an evaluator and was very helpful so that I could see how to better perfect my skill for the future. Larra also demonstrated the role of facilitator extremely well. I got to observe her in the leadership role of charge nurse and I believe she is an exemplary team leader. She constantly encourages the other nurses on the unit and offers her assistance in any way possible. Throughout my practicum and externship, she consistently asked other nurses on the unit to make her aware if they had any skills opportunities that I could observe or perform with her so that I could have the most opportunities to learn and grow. She is the only nurse I have worked with during nursing school that went above and beyond to help me have the most experiences possible. She has been the greatest role model and I hope when I become a licensed RN that I will be as amazing as she is. I will use the knowledge she gave me every day in my future practice. Larra has truly been the most outstanding preceptor and I hope that other nursing students get the opportunity to work with her. They will undoubtedly gain the best knowledge and experience!" 

Thank you Larra for your dedication to training new staff and mentoring the next generation of nurses!

For information on how to nominate an employee for the Outstanding Preceptor Award, please contact Courtney Hockman csensabaugh@carilionclinic.org