Another "Find Your Own Preceptor" Thread

[Angeljho]

Has there been any changes lately when it comes to finding your own preceptors for NP school? Is it easier now? More difficult? No change?

I was accepted into a distance ed PMHNP program (with campus visits) and will start the summer semester in a couple of weeks. However, they do NOT arrange preceptors and I have only encountered resistance thus far, even with placement sites that have contracts with my school. I don't want to be bothered with this once school starts and I get into the bulk of my studies. I should have done my research, so it's my fault.

I also applied to a traditional school which does work with their students to arrange preceptors. I haven't received notification of acceptance or rejection yet. If I'm accepted, I might withdraw from the distance ed program to save me some headache. This is why I want to know if there are any changes when it comes to finding preceptors.

[babypsychrn]

I was just accepted to two Psych NP programs here in Virginia, both brick and mortar schools. I ended up going with less "prestigious" school because they make clinical placements and assign preceptors for the students. I just didn't want the stress of having to find my own preceptors, particularly because the health system I've worked for my entire career doesn't even employ Psych NPs so I have virtually no contacts. Obviously, situations aren't the same for everyone but enrolling in a program that finds preceptors for you was really important to me.

[Jory, MSN, APRN, CNM]

I'm with Walden..I have a 4.0 and start clinicals next month. Does this qualify as another poor program that does not supply preceptors?

I have a friend that graduated from Walden, took her boards and passed...however:

I am always suspicious of any program that has no requirements other than a BSN and a check.

[MallysMama]

Also, I too did not know until orientation that I would have to find my own preceptors. I should have done my research.

I think you hit the nail on the head here.

I see so many posts of people scrambling to find preceptors and being frustrated that their school didn't provide them. Um....shouldn't they have known that from the start? If it wasn't something they were prepared for- they shouldn't have gone to that school. Before jumping into such a huge commitment- of both time and money- research on the school and the program should be done. (Before even applying, in my opinion!!) Each program should have their required clinical hours posted somewhere....so it shouldn't come as a surprise that they'd need to find multiple preceptors to fill the required hours. And if they didn't think it would be possible to find their own, for whatever reason, they probably should have only applied to programs that arrange them.

[Sha-Sha RN]

I think you hit the nail on the head here.

I see so many posts of people scrambling to find preceptors and being frustrated that their school didn't provide them. Um....shouldn't they have known that from the start? If it wasn't something they were prepared for- they shouldn't have gone to that school. Before jumping into such a huge commitment- of both time and money- research on the school and the program should be done. (Before even applying, in my opinion!!) Each program should have their required clinical hours posted somewhere....so it shouldn't come as a surprise that they'd need to find multiple preceptors to fill the required hours. And if they didn't think it would be possible to find their own, for whatever reason, they probably should have only applied to programs that arrange them.

Honestly, I don't think a lot of programs are forthcoming on the process of finding preceptors in the materials potential applicants see. As I mentioned in another post I did not find out my program didn't help until my first day of orientation. The other side of this issue is in certain states you are limited to where you can matriculate into an NP program. I know for instance in NY there are only a couple of out of state distance programs that the State BON recognizes. Others may be limited by finances, so there is not the option of applying to a program that finds preceptors for you where you are going to pay 100k for that benefit. So I say all that to say that we all may do our research, but there are reasons many of us go into programs that require us to find our own preceptors, because if you can't financially go to a program that finds preceptors for you, your limited by state constraints or you don't get accepted to one of these programs you are limited in choices and you really want to be an NP.

[MallysMama]

You're absolutely right- there are lots of factors that go into this. I shouldn't judge. Sorry!! I just take my own experience and base my opinions off that, I suppose. I gave up an amazing job, house, friends and being near family to move my little family 1,000 miles away for a good school. I'm accruing a TON of student loan debt to do this. I feel that the sacrifice is worth it. And hopefully will pay off in the end!

[PhillyRNtoBe]

Honestly, I don't think a lot of programs are forthcoming on the process of finding preceptors in the materials potential applicants see. As I mentioned in another post I did not find out my program didn't help until my first day of orientation. The other side of this issue is in certain states you are limited to where you can matriculate into an NP program. I know for instance in NY there are only a couple of out of state distance programs that the State BON recognizes. Others may be limited by finances, so there is not the option of applying to a program that finds preceptors for you where you are going to pay 100k for that benefit. So I say all that to say that we all may do our research, but there are reasons many of us go into programs that require us to find our own preceptors, because if you can't financially go to a program that finds preceptors for you, your limited by state constraints or you don't get accepted to one of these programs you are limited in choices and you really want to be an NP.

This is a very good point. You have no idea how many people just casually say, " Well why didn't you go to this school or that school?". Because I'm below the poverty line, mommy and daddy have never paid my way. I can't even afford the deposit to certain schools let alone the tuition balance after the financial aid package. My response to them while shaking my head, "It must be nice".

I know women who turned down great schools because they now have to take care of children and a parent. They refuse to sacrifice the roof over their head and their child's education just to pay the outrageous tuition for certain programs.

Yes, people should do their research but I do know many people who ultimately ended up with very limited options when all was said and done. Not everyone comes from some perfect, traditional situation with tons of support in their corner.

Also, there is very little guidance from schools when it comes to these things. People expect schools to explain how their program works. If I pay them ridiculous amounts of money I shouldn't have to wait until orientation to find out all the important information. If I ask a question before I commit, I would like to trust that I get an honest answer. I find that schools are more like used car salesmen these days. It's a disgrace how misleading and vague their information can be. I believe this is something that needs to change. They have a responsibility in this as well. Just mho.

[Jules A, MSN]

I find that schools are more like used car salesmen these days. It's a disgrace how misleading and vague their information can be. I believe this is something that needs to change. They have a responsibility in this as well. Just mho.

I agree 100% that there are many shady schools out there now and appreciate those who stay within their budget no matter what the purchase however I'd also be hesitant to justify attending a school with a crap reputation and less than honest interactions like you describe because my guess is the final product will be similar to the shoddy framework.

[PeacockMaiden]

I have been a psych RN for years and started to scout out for preceptors one year in advance to me even applying to a program. Funny thing is your colleagues will say "yes" to the idea of preceptoring, but when the time actually comes to do it, they story changes.

Good thing you got lucky Jules, but not everyone is that lucky, in spite of having professional experience and contacts.

[Jules A, MSN]

I have been a psych RN for years and started to scout out for preceptors one year in advance to me even applying to a program. Funny thing is your colleagues will say "yes" to the idea of preceptoring, but when the time actually comes to do it, they story changes.

Good thing you got lucky Jules, but not everyone is that lucky, in spite of having professional experience and contacts.

I'm sorry that was your experience. Between both my NP designations I managed to secure 6 physician and 2 NP preceptors so I'd respectfully disagree that luck was the predominant factor.

[tbaughm]

I was lucky to go to a university selected to be a part of the GNE demonstration, which helped in finding preceptors. However, the program is relatively new and participating students are not guaranteed placement. There were at least 2 semesters where I found myself scrambling to find placement. I was not working at the time, so had no good connections to beg for placement. The two ways that I found my own preceptors were the following:

1. I made a list of possible preceptors/clinics and called until I found an NP willing to take me. Don't take the refusals personally, just keep calling until you are successful and start well before the semester begins.

2. I liked my OB/GYN preceptor and felt he liked me enough to ask him if he knew any internal/family practice physicians that might be willing to precept. He gave me 3 names. Almost a year later (during my last semester), my GNE preceptor flaked on me at the last moment (never even met her). I pulled out the list of 3 names that I had kept for nearly a year. I called the first, mentioned the name of the doctor who had precepted me the last summer, and was amazed to find that, yes, the internist was willing to precept. I couldn't believe my luck, but found out later that it was mainly because I had given the name of the previous preceptor.

Also I once needed an NP just for one day of observation. You would think that would be easy, but I called and called and no luck whatsoever. I texted one of my RN friends and asked her if you see any doctors who have NPs or see any NPs on the floor, can you please ask them for me? She happened to see the lead cardiologist of a local practice. He said, sure call J.N. my NP manager. I left her a message saying Dr. A said I should call you about observing. She called me back within 10 minutes. Use any connections you can to find placement.

I would definitely recommend that if anyone has the opportunity to attend a college participating in the GNE demonstration to take advantage. It definitely can help reduce the stress a little. Unfortunately, it doesn't include specialties such as psych or neonatal at this time.

[kwright8706]

Tachynurseguy, I see that this thread is about 3 years old but I am an Fnp student in Arizona and am looking for a clinical preceptor and all of my options other than a paid site have fallen through..Any suggestions?