A clinical preceptor is an employed registered nurse in a clinical facility who supervises and evaluates a student's performance independent of a clinical instructor. This manual is intended to assist the clinical preceptor, especially the preceptor dealing with re-entry nursing students. It encompasses a practical approach with actual situations and solutions encountered by other preceptors. The manual is divided into six units. At the beginning of each unit there is a short introduction followed by learning experiences, directions to the learner, and objectives for the individual unit. Optional readings are also listed. Units 1 and 2 cover the guidelines for a preceptor and explain the preceptor's responsibilities. Unit 3 provides the preceptor with teaching-learning principles. It is intended as an overview since registered nurses use these principles daily in teaching patients and staff. Unit 4 covers anxieties of the re-entry students and how the preceptor can deal with these situations. Unit 5 is a guide to improve the clinical experience for the re-entry student. Unit 6 explains the use of the weekly evaluation tool and how to complete the Oregon State Board of Nursing evaluation form. A bibliography is included. (KC)