Advice on how to locate preceptors for NP clinics

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I am starting a FNP distance learning program the fall of 2009. I am going to try and work full time, and take the program full or part time. I will begin clinicals on 1/2009. I am told that I should start looking for a preceptor right away. I am hoping to find a NP or MD/DO in Denver, CO that works at least one late afternoon and an occasional Saturday. So that I can keep my full time job and attempt to do clinicals after work and on the weekends.

Therefore, I am thinking I should seek contacts with Urgent Care Centers or even a Walgreens center type of clinics. However, how would I approach such an individual without knowing them. Should I write a letter, show up at the clinic, or what?

I am really excited about starting school, but I must retain my job, and I know that if I could get a preceptor in such a setting it would work.

Thank you! Or is anyone a NP in Colorado that might be interested or you know of anyone?

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I'm in the same boat and here is what I did:

I started with my state's advanced practice association and targeted those APNs living in my region within a reasonable commuting distance. These folks I just sent a blanket email stating where I got their contact info (because who wants strangers emailing them?), who I was and what I wanted. I sent out 10 emails and got 8 positive responses back.

Then, for the after hours clinics, I targetted the hospitals that have these in my areas. I cold-called them and left messages for the APNs. So far....I'm still waiting but just started this week or this audience.

I also plan to do clinicals based on my prn job in the ER with the MDs and since the ER is 24/7, that's easy to do.

Another thing I did was to plan to use PTO time to do clinicals. I am taking 40 hours PTO in August and plan to get at least 60 hours of clinical time in for this investment.

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Thank you so much! That gave me a great foundation to start with! Where are you from, and what school are you going to?

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I used 2 methods to find my preceptors. I utilized my co-workers (and physicians I see at work). If you spread the word that you need a preceptor I bet people you work with will have some ideas for you. I also went to the nurse practitioner association meetings to network.

I don't think the evening/weekends will be a problem. Most family practices and pediatricians in my area are open evenings and/or weekends. I had a hard time finding sites that were not open at those times.

I also sent out blanket letters/emails and got ZERO replies!

Good luck!

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I live near Peoria, IL and am actually an adult health CNS going back for a peds/family CNS. If you live in IL, let me know and I might be able to help you out.

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I called physicians from the yellow pages -kept records and kept calling -ask to speak with the office manager. Wouldn't you know I am now precepting w/ Dr. Z.

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That is to funny Dr. Z? How did you ask or explain what was needed? Sell yourself?

Thanks.

Michele

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I asked to speak with the office manager. Told them I was A FNP student and wondering if the physician/NP would agree to precept me 1 day a week/ 2 days a week for such and such time period. IThey would usually say the dr doesn't do this or I'll ask -call back in a few days. So I just keptcalling back until I got definite answers.

For one clinical I had to sign non-disclosure agreements, for a few others I had to provide resumes -I had no problem with any of this and have some wonderful preceptors now. I graduate in the begining of August! I am doing clinicals at two different places -in case one turned out to be a dud -but they both are great!

Good Luck!

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Specializes in Emergency, Cardiac, PAT/SPU, Urgent Care.

I would definitely try and find some other sites, also, since those clinics basically see episodic, uncomplicated problems. Since you are going for your FNP, you will really need to also find sites that involve primary care where you will do a lot of preventative medicine as well as seeing chronic-type problems such as diabetes, HTN, etc. Also, consider pediatric clinics and ob/gyn clinics since you will need to have a fair amount of hours in both. The certification boards (such as ANCC) are really starting to crack down on this to ensure that FNPs have the appropriate training.

Best of luck to you as you start school!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Orthopedics, Hospitalists.

Preceptors in my city are in high demand and short supply - we have about 3 or 4 nursing schools (ADN and BSN), two master's-level nursing schools, one PA school, one medical school, and a teaching hospital! All this in a city of

My trick - network, network, network! I asked anyone who would listen to me and found my preceptor (I knew a guy who knew a guy who asked this guy ;) ). Good luck!

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I am just at this time looking for a Preceptor for Advanced Physical Assessment. I certainly understand where you are suggesting clinics that are for individuals with more complex needs. That is coming soon. I am trying to establish those contact too. But my immediate is someone in a general practice to get the advanced skills for the beginning assessment class. :specs:

Good luck to everyone and thank you so much.

Michele

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You will get the best experience from a primary care physician/np/pa -they will be doing the most head to toes -annual exams and focused assessments. you'll get the most practice here.

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