May 26, 2025
Renalda Sereikiene, left, and Erin Metzger, right, show Madeline Tucker how to suction a tracheostomy patient using a mannequin. (Were this a live-patient scenario, proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) would have been worn, as required by Alberta Health Services’ best practice.) Photo by Leah Hennel.
Story by Ashley Graydon | Photo by Leah Hennel
CALGARY — It’s been 20 years since Renalda Sereikiene started her first shift on Unit 93/94 at Rockyview General Hospital (RGH) — and she’s never left.
“I've been working for AHS for over 20 years in the same unit,” says the registered nurse, “and I remember, very clearly, growing here as a new international nurse, and having amazing support from my coworkers.”
That’s one of the reasons Sereikiene, and her colleague Erin Metzger, also a registered nurse on the same unit, chose to become preceptors for nursing students. Sereikiene has been a preceptor since 2011 and Metzger since 2020.
Any regulated healthcare professional can become a preceptor. Preceptors are healthcare professionals who supervise and mentor students as part of their on-site training before they graduate. They’re an important part of student learning, providing them with the valuable knowledge and skills to start their careers.
The Student Placement team works with a number of post-secondary institutions that have placement agreements with AHS (such as the University of Lethbridge, University of Alberta and Mount Royal University) to ensure students are matched with preceptors that align with their learning and career goals.
Initially hesitant to become a preceptor, Metzger says the culture of her unit inspired her to take the leap.
“My boss encouraged me to participate. I was reluctant, as I was worried I could fail at how I was teaching someone. But now that I’ve taken on a few students, I will continue to do so. It’s very rewarding and an important part of ensuring the next generation of nurses are prepared.”
Sereikiene agrees: “One aspect of my preceptor role that I especially enjoy is encouraging students and guiding them through unfamiliar tasks. It’s incredibly fulfilling to help them overcome challenges, build confidence, and see their progress as they develop new skills.”
Preceptors support one student at a time for 12 weeks. Metzger says the time commitment on their end is minimal.
“When we bring on a student, we have a one-hour orientation session. I find their passion first and try to focus on that with their work. We start slow with a buddy day, then get the student to support one or two patients, and then take on a full patient load.”
Sereikiene adds: “We want to encourage and support our students. They know that if anything is going to happen, good or bad, we always have their backs.”
Both agree they’ve learned from their students.
“I’m not so comfortable with technology, but our students have grown up with it and teach me new ways of doing things,” says Metzger. “We get to mesh the old with the new. They help keep me fresh and on my toes; they keep my energy up as well.”
“Their curiosity reminds me of the importance of questioning our reality and staying open to learning,” Sereikiene adds. “It’s a great reminder that even when something feels second nature, there’s always more to explore and understand.”
Mount Royal University (MRU) recently celebrated Sereikiene and Metzger’s contribution to their students’ learning.
“Erin and Renalda have been outstanding role models for our students while I’ve been in the faculty mentor role,” says Dr. Tracy Powell, registered nurse and associate professor in the School of Nursing and Midwifery at MRU. “They exemplify the vital role and importance of registered nurses in providing excellent care to patients and families, and the essential work that registered nurses in clinical practice do in guiding nursing students toward competence, compassion, and trauma-informed care.
“Their support has significantly boosted our students' confidence, preparing them for the challenges of working in the nursing profession and the importance of being an effective member of the healthcare team. We are deeply grateful for their dedication and the positive impact they have had on MRU nursing students.”
Madeline Tucker, a registered nurse at RGH and previous student at MRU in the Bachelor of Nursing program, completed her three-month practicum from January to April 2024 on this unit.
“Erin and Renalda are hands-down the best preceptors a nursing student could have,” she says. “During my preceptorship, they showed me how to become ‘a good nurse’. While having wildly different personalities, they individually emulate all the qualities of an extraordinary caregiver.
“It was through witnessing their compassion and dedication to this profession that I was able to build my nursing practice and grow confidence in my abilities.”
Tucker adds that although nursing school taught her the practical skills needed in a nursing career, her excellent mentorship experience helped shape her into the nurse she is today.
Humble at heart, both nurses appreciate the recognition, but don’t feel it’s needed.
“At the end of the day, we’re all here for patients,” says Sereikiene. “It's incredibly rewarding to see the progress students make through their hard work, which leads to positive health outcomes for many patients.
“I also want to recognize our unit culture. Our students are deeply influenced by all unit members and multidisciplinary team. We work closely together, supporting one another and welcoming students as part of our work family. That sense of belonging is a big reason why so many of them choose to return and join our unit as registered nurses.”
Tucker, who joined the unit late last year, adds: “Transitioning from a student to a new grad was a stressful experience, but Erin, Renalda and the entire team helped me feel prepared. I am grateful for everything they have done and continue to do.”
When asked what advice they would give for others interested in becoming a preceptor, Metzger says: “Like anything in life, you don’t know unless you try. Nurses are people persons, so it’s like having a buddy to hang out with all shift. Nothing has been bad about being a preceptor so far, even on the tough days.”
Sereikiene agrees. “Like the (sportswear) commercial says: ‘Just do it!’. You’ll never truly know until you dive in and experience it for yourself. Every preceptor’s journey is unique, and the experience can vary greatly from person to person.
“For me, it’s been incredibly rewarding and positive. It’s an opportunity to make a real impact on students and help shape the future of nursing and patient care. So take the leap!”
For staff looking to become preceptors, they can discuss with their manager who can reach out to the Student Placement team to get involved. Learn more.
