FNP Student , Need Preceptorship Advice

[jenn17]

Not sure if this is a better area for posting my questions.....I'm a student FNP about to start an online program this August. I have been trying to locate a preceptor in my area (south florida) for my Spring/Summer rotations. I am starting now because my school is one like many who require students to find their own preceptors. I researched this before applying, and even though I found a lot of desperate students looking for preceptors, I want to pursue my FNP and will work as hard as possible to make it work. I do not have the means to pay for a service like "clinical match me" and so far the clinics/health department etc in my area have all basically told me that They don't have the resources to precept students and in addition if they did, many local schools have already been asking and would come first. (My school has a campus in another state). I guess what I am asking is for any advice in securing a preceptor from those who currently precept, or have had to locate their own in the past. My family and I recently moved to this state, so we do not have any solid connections to start from other than our new primary care doctors. I am also 9 months pregnant, and because of this will not be working as an RN until September (meaning I don't have work resources yet to avail myself of yet either). Any experiences or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much!

[smilesweet]

I am in almost the same boat as you (minus the pregnancy - congrats! :) ) I recently applied to be a member of my state's nurse practitioner association as they have a list of NP's in the state who will precept, but have yet to hear back. I hope you get some more knowledgeable/experienced responses as, like I said, I'm in the same situation and would love some advice....

[jenn17]

I will let you know what I find, was the organization you joined one of those ENP network things?

[smilesweet]

I did look into the ENP network things but haven't paid any dues for it, just did a preliminary search. I joined my states council of nurse practitioners. I paid the student membership fee which was $75 and they say they have a list of NP's who precept with their contact info. I'm waiting on approval of my application right now.

Also, have you contacted any NP's for precepting?? I want to start but I'm not 100% sure of the criteria needed and how to set up a contract as I haven't been to my school's orientation yet. My first clinical isn't until June 2017, but I'm so nervous about this aspect of school. I've heard from multiple people that lack of preceptors has delayed their graduation...

[evolvingrn, BSN, RN]

Good luck! It's good to start early.

[jenn17]

I plan to join my states NP organizations too, however......I did speak with someone on a forum who is in my area and joined one of the ENP networks, called every single person on their list and nothing, absolutely got her nowhere. So that is one area I was looking to that I am now hesitant to join.

[bbcewalters, NP]

The best advice I can give it to prepare a resume. Then do a google search in the area you live in and begin making random calls to various places. You will want the resume available to email or fax to places so they can see your background. It is also important for them to know how many hours you need and if you are flexible with your time. Others have also suggested you dress in business attire with resume in hand and go to specific offices. This puts a face with a name.

Good luck!!!

[LTinAK]

I just went through this process, and it is definitely frustrating, but completely doable. My best advice is to put on a professional outfit, print up some resumes, and then go in person. Do your research first though, and make sure they have providers at the office that would meet your preceptor requirements. If it is an office (as opposed to a hospital) ask if you may speak with the Office Manager. Make sure you know exactly how many hours you need, and about how many days a week that works out to be. I have NEVER had a return phone call when calling for preceptors, but am 2/2 with going in person. I think it helps if they meet you, and can kind of gauge if you will be a good fit to precept there. Good luck!

[matthdrn]

I was in a similar position. A new city, no connections. I prepared a resume and did a google search and did cold colds. I started out with private doctors first to avoid contract issues until I had more time to deal with that barrier. It was stressful, but I think if you live in a big enough area you are bound to get someone.