Finding clinical sites/ Gwynedd Mercy College

shonte19, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN, NP · Mar 28, 2012

I'm going through the exact same situation except different schools. I attend Ball State university FNP online. I just don't know what words to say and apparently this is a long process because they keep enforcing start early. I'm going to call my future instructor to see if she has any tips, if she does I will. et you know.

SoundofMusic · Mar 30, 2012

You know, I get so preturbed over this. I'm in a program in Virginia, and I can't believe they foist this burden on students. I'm sorry, but do med students have to find their own clinical rotation sites? Likely not.

This has to change. I'm in a very stressful semester -- many of us have sent out numerous letters, made numerous calls, and no one can find a site unless they "know someone."

I think it really stinks ...too much money to pay to have faculty sitting on their duffs and not aiding students in finding clinical sites. This should not be an impossibility. Contact should be forged by these schools. Nurses help nurses ....why all of a sudden does it stop at this level in terms of preceptorships?

glibwolf · Mar 31, 2012

@ Soundofmusic,

I agree totally. My college is affiliated with several Catholic Hospitals in my area. Yet they don't help. I have found a doctor that will take me for my specialty rotation. However, I am at a lose for others.

Nurses should help nurses. Isn't that what an APN is taught?

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Apr 3, 2012

Check out the National Nursing Centers Consortium: These are NP managed health settings, with 15 centers in 5 county Philly area:

NNCC » Member Clinics

dng_503 · Apr 5, 2012

I'm in Vancouver, BC taking FNP through Athabasca University in Alberta and the school also require their students to seek their own practicum. I've been searching since Nov. 2011 and haven't had any luck as all the preceptors I've spoken to would only accept BC school students first before they look outside for BC even though I live in Vancouver, BC. Or the preceptors have too many students. Priority are also given to medical students, midwife students etc. I feel like I won't be able to complete this program if every preceptor I contact will not accept anymore students.

Anyway, the best way to start is cold calling offices or call up the health authorities and get directed to "professional practice" or "education services" (depending on what the authority call these departments) and the staff will direct you. BC health authorities have been very helpful in providing me with instructions on the process of submitting placement information. However, it doesn't matter how early I submit this information, they will still select BC school students first. I feel that I'm also at a lost here. It's unfortunate that there are not enough preceptors around.

glibwolf · Apr 6, 2012

@ NRSKarenRN,

Thankyou for your suggestion. There is a clinic near me. I will contact them and see what I can do to intern there. I have been speaking to several NP's and Physicians. I am hoping to specialize. I have been told that it is 'who you know' when it comes to clinical sites. Since I am changing from home care to office or clinic, I am at a loss for contacts.

I guess persistence is the name of the game here. I am willing to travel for my clinical and move for a job. I will put the resumes out there and see what I get.

Thanks again.

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Apr 6, 2012

Another resource I thought of is NP directory's

NP central has been around longer than allnurses! national nurse practitioner directory

nurse practitioner directory - npagr

Women's Health: nurse practitioner directory - national association of nurse ...

Healthgrades: nursing (np) - state directory

RNSallyanne · Apr 11, 2012

In Kentucky, our state NP Association has a list of NPs willing to be preceptors. I joined the association and it was one of the best things I could have done. It is a good way to get to know the people you might need later on and if they have a directory of possible preceptors, even better!

canchaser, BSN, RN · Apr 11, 2012

NrsKaren, I just googled those sites. AWESOME!!! I sent these onto my classmates to help them out. Thanks do much!

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Apr 12, 2012

NrsKaren, I just googled those sites. AWESOME!!! I sent these onto my classmates to help them out. Thanks do much!

Your welcome.

When searching for jobs,I find many ads posted in business news journals:

Business News - The Business Journals

hfitch · Jan 16, 2013

Reply to Glibwolf--I graduated GMC last year, I had many problems with clinical sites and ended up working with (MODERATOR EDIT OF NAME - PLEASE DO NOT POST NAMES OF INDIVIDUALS IN YOUR PROGRAM PER TOS) in the GMC clinic. Don't let her fool you, there are options. If you need Pediatrics I highly recommend "Healthy Steps". We need to collaborate as Nurses and we can overcome many adversities. PS this won't be you're only one...