Your rotation preceptor is an hour late. Which action is appropriate?

• A. Do nothing and wait for the preceptor
• B. Run the clinic in a limited role, such as ordering specific x-rays
• C. Immediately leave and take a break
• D. Stop all patient care until the preceptor arrives

Answer: (B)

When a supervisor is late, the best approach is to keep patient care moving within the bounds of what you’re allowed to do solo. Initiating a limited action, such as ordering specific imaging, fits safely within your training and helps patients receive timely assessment while you wait for direct supervision. This approach balances patient safety with clinic efficiency and shows appropriate autonomy inside established guidelines. Waiting idly or stopping all care would delay treatment and create unnecessary gaps, and taking a break while patients need attention isn’t appropriate. If you’re ever unsure about what you can do, follow your clinic’s escalation policy and contact the on‑call supervisor.