ACNP clinical placements

Trauma Columnist · Nov 2, 2011

1. Join your state's APN association.

2. Get a list of former preceptors from your school.

3. Network with former students.

CCRNDiva, BSN, RN · Nov 2, 2011

It depends on where you are in the Midwest and your relationship with docs in the area. It's pretty tough to find your own preceptor for ACNP clinicals in the Chicago area due to so many med and PA students in the area (I think there are 7 med schools in the Chicago area alone). There are also 3 ACNP programs that have placement contracts in place for their students. I would guess you would have the same difficulty in any area around a major city with large medical programs.

ACNPs are just starting to be used in my area (central Midwest). I wouldn't have had a problem getting some docs to precept me, but they are not too familiar with the role of the ACNP so I wasn't sure I would get a quality clinical experience had I found my own preceptors. One of our intensivists encouraged me to go to a program where the clinicals were arranged with providers who are familiar and supportive of the role of ACNPs.

TraumaRUs, offers some very good tips in finding a preceptor though. If ACNPs are not used in your area, start talking with the docs in your area. Do you work in a hospital? Hopefully, you've built some relationships with some of your intensivists, hospitalists, specialists, etc. If they are supportive of the advancement of nursing education or if they like you, a few may be willing to precept you.

My state has been slow to embrace the role of the advanced practice nurse. PAs are usually utilized as first assist and most don't round on inpatients (the PAs for the CT surgeons do). We have one med school in the entire state and our state schools have just recently initiated PA programs. We don't have a CRNA program in the entire state. The Midwest (outside of the major cities) has been slow to adopt the uses of NPs and PAs in the hospital but that is slowly changing. My hospital finally changed their tune about NPs in the hospital because the docs finally asked for them. They did so because they are tired and it is very difficult to recruit new docs to our area; most of our docs have ties to this area.

I was surprised to find so many docs supportive of my career goals. Several offered to write recommendations for me and one has even helped me study, lol. It has been very encouraging. Let them know you will be starting school soon and your career goals. Some of them may have worked with ACNPs while in residency or med school and may be familiar with the role. If I can find support in my area, I'm sure you will be able to find support in your area. Good luck to you!!