Melanie
Nurse Practitioner Clinical Sites
The nurse practitioner online program that I am enrolled in requires the student to find clinical sites and preceptors. Are there any suggestions or comments regarding finding clinical placement? Thanks!
#nurse-practitioner
2 answers
Robert Smithing, MSN, APRN, FAANP
Robert’s Answer
It turns out that this is a problem across the nation. Programs promise you an education but do not follow-through by helping you to find a preceptor. The correct approach would be to require all NP schools to provide preceptors for their students. In the meantime you are stuck looking for a preceptor. I'd suggest finding any and all NP groups within a 100 miles of your location and go to their meeting and talk to possible preceptors. Get on eNPnetwork.com and utilize their search for a preceptor function. Talk to your nursing colleagues and see if anyone has a suggestion or link to a possible preceptor and follow it up. While a lot of work customized cover letters with your resume included have worked for our practice. If you are in Washington State, USA I can give you some more specific suggestions if you contact me. I'm the executive director for the state NP group. Good luck!
Hi Robert, I have sent out over 100 emails contacting people all across the state, made around 30 calls, visited numerous places and asked everyone I know and I am still coming up short for a preceptor for Summer. I would very much be interested in any suggestions you may have. Thanks!
Laura
Hi Laura, That is a good start. Have you been to local meetings to network? Do you have a student resume that you can use to highlight what you might be able to contribute to a practice? What is your school doing to help? If you are with an online school it can be very hard. You can private message me through the contact us section on auws.org, the Washington State NP group. Let me know the part of the country you are in. I may have some geographically specific suggestions I can make.
Robert Smithing, MSN, APRN, FAANP
Thank you, Robert, I emailed you through the site as requested. Hopefully it finds you :)
Laura
Hello Mr. Robert!
I am a FNP student and living in Everett, Washington. Would you mind helping me?
Michael Jordan
MANDY HORNE
MANDY’s Answer
I am fortunate to be a part of a University that arranges placements for our students. Still, we also have the benefit of two large public hospital systems in the metroplex.
I would also consider creating a professional linked-in profile (if you haven't already) trying to reach out to alumni from your program. They might have contacts in your area...it's worth a try.
The other thing to keep in mind is that some preceptors will ask for reimbursement for their time. My University doesn't allow preceptors to be paid. Be sure you know the policy for your program.