Advice on snagging preceptors

Cal-Neva · Feb 8, 2014

Anyone? Bueller?

zmansc, ASN, RN · Feb 8, 2014

Each persons plan will be different based on both their own personal relationships with providers, their contacts with providers, introverted vs extroverted, etc. So, be weary of a one size fits all solution.

Having said that.... lol....

I actually started the process over a year before I started NP school, I just figured that there was no use in going to NP school if I couldn't find a preceptor, so I went about it that way. Initially, I would try to take a few minutes with providers when I came in contact with them in nursing offices, or break rooms, or wherever. I would try to be respectful, and not interrupt them when they were working, but if they had a few minutes I simply introduced myself and told them about my plans.

Some would give advice, make suggestions, or show interest others would not. But over time, even those who didn't show interest at first would observe me when I was taking care of their patients. Then, I would move the conversation up to the next level, and ask if they know of NPs who would be good preceptors? Not who would want to precept me, but would be good preceptors. I found that most providers, be they MD, DO, PA, NP, want their colleagues to be well educated and qualified. They know that I'm going to be a provider someday, and they have observed me taking care of their patients, observed that I learn, that I grow, and that I critically think.

Now that these providers see me as someone worth taking time with, they often take me under their wing, seek me out, tell me about cases they have or had. Try to teach me. In addition, they want me to be successful, so they suggest me to their colleagues and vice versa, suggest potential preceptors to me.

To me this is basic networking, and the concept can be applied to any situation, be it your work brings you in contact with providers regularly, or you only see a very few providers on rare days. You have to figure out how to start presenting yourself to the providers so they can get to know you and pass your information on to others or pass other providers contact information on to you. For me, this part was easy, I work in an ER, I first made contact with providers that came into my ER, and then, moved to more and more specialists who I don't see in the ER. For someone who doesn't come in contact with alot of providers, I would suggest finding ways to meet more providers: volunteer work, local/state/national organizations, etc. Cold calling is probably the weakest and least productive way, but it does work if you spend enough time at it.

Once you start to establish a network you have to remember two things: 1. It's much easier to loose someone's trust and respect than it is to gain it. Once it's lost, don't expect to regain it anytime soon. 2. A network you just established is probably not going to bear any fruit immediately, it takes time to gain the respect of enough people, for them to pass your name on, and gain enough more for you to get a well established network. I would expect to put a little time into it every week for at least a year or more before you have established yourself.

However, the other benefit of a network built like this is it's not only good for a preceptor one time. But it will get you (many) job offers and help you to know what offices are like what when you go looking for jobs. It is your professional network, treat it as such and you will be richly rewarded for the rest of your career.

Palliative Care, DNP · Feb 8, 2014

It has truly been an all hands on deck experience for me. My husband is a pharmacist and helped me with a couple placements. An old neighbor from childhood hooked me up with OB/gyn. Use all connections that you have to find placement. If you must send letters make sure you send a copy of your CV and a picture. These things make you stand out and look more professional.

Cal-Neva · Feb 8, 2014

Each persons plan will be different based on both their own personal relationships with providers, their contacts with providers, introverted vs extroverted, etc. So, be weary of a one size fits all solution.
Having said that.... lol....
I actually started the process over a year before I started NP school, I just figured that there was no use in going to NP school if I couldn't find a preceptor, so I went about it that way. Initially, I would try to take a few minutes with providers when I came in contact with them in nursing offices, or break rooms, or wherever. I would try to be respectful, and not interrupt them when they were working, but if they had a few minutes I simply introduced myself and told them about my plans.
Some would give advice, make suggestions, or show interest others would not. But over time, even those who didn't show interest at first would observe me when I was taking care of their patients. Then, I would move the conversation up to the next level, and ask if they know of NPs who would be good preceptors? Not who would want to precept me, but would be good preceptors. I found that most providers, be they MD, DO, PA, NP, want their colleagues to be well educated and qualified. They know that I'm going to be a provider someday, and they have observed me taking care of their patients, observed that I learn, that I grow, and that I critically think.
Now that these providers see me as someone worth taking time with, they often take me under their wing, seek me out, tell me about cases they have or had. Try to teach me. In addition, they want me to be successful, so they suggest me to their colleagues and vice versa, suggest potential preceptors to me.
To me this is basic networking, and the concept can be applied to any situation, be it your work brings you in contact with providers regularly, or you only see a very few providers on rare days. You have to figure out how to start presenting yourself to the providers so they can get to know you and pass your information on to others or pass other providers contact information on to you. For me, this part was easy, I work in an ER, I first made contact with providers that came into my ER, and then, moved to more and more specialists who I don't see in the ER. For someone who doesn't come in contact with alot of providers, I would suggest finding ways to meet more providers: volunteer work, local/state/national organizations, etc. Cold calling is probably the weakest and least productive way, but it does work if you spend enough time at it.
Once you start to establish a network you have to remember two things: 1. It's much easier to loose someone's trust and respect than it is to gain it. Once it's lost, don't expect to regain it anytime soon. 2. A network you just established is probably not going to bear any fruit immediately, it takes time to gain the respect of enough people, for them to pass your name on, and gain enough more for you to get a well established network. I would expect to put a little time into it every week for at least a year or more before you have established yourself.
However, the other benefit of a network built like this is it's not only good for a preceptor one time. But it will get you (many) job offers and help you to know what offices are like what when you go looking for jobs. It is your professional network, treat it as such and you will be richly rewarded for the rest of your career.

I really appreciate the insight. I have already started to do this at my current job and so far seems there are a couple of promising options. Thank you so much for the advice!

Cal-Neva · Feb 8, 2014

It has truly been an all hands on deck experience for me. My husband is a pharmacist and helped me with a couple placements. An old neighbor from childhood hooked me up with OB/gyn. Use all connections that you have to find placement. If you must send letters make sure you send a copy of your CV and a picture. These things make you stand out and look more professional.

Thank you! Sounds like networking and connections are the best way to find preceptors. I appreciate your feedback.