Clinical with a school nurse

[ladyglittersparkle]

I am working on my BSN and coming to the end of my program. I have 2 clinical classes that I need to complete and was hoping to do them in a school as this is an area I am interested in going into.

I am wondering how to find a preceptor. Do I just cold call schools or should I send letters? Would I go straight to the nurse or do I need to go through someone else first?

If it helps, I am in the Glens Falls/Saratoga, NY area (or if anyone knows a school nurse who precepts in that general area. I'm willing to drive for the experience.)

Thanks so much!

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

In my area the request would need to be routed through the board of education, facilitated by your school clinical director and the school nurse needs to be in agreement, willing and able. There is a contract or memorandum of understanding between the district board of education and the college. If a university nursing school also has a teacher education program there may already be agreements in place for student teachers. If the school nurse is in agreement & able to precept the existing student teacher agreement can be amended for a student nurse.

[100kids, BSN, RN]

I would call a few local schools and ask to speak to the School Nurse and ask her. Here if someone called and requested I would then go ask the Superintendent about it and go from there but I'd rather fins a nurse that was willing and excited than someone whose BOE decided it was a good idea. Good luck! I'm too far away or I'd say come spend some time here!

[Windchaser22]

I did mine through my local district. I spoke with the nurse first and then it was pretty much just like justbeacy says. I'd also add that the university has to approve the preceptor first prior to the BOE getting involved so leave yourself enough time. there is communication between the university and the school nurse, onsite visits, and a post semester evaluation by both the school nurse and student. Good luck!!

[JenTheSchoolRN, BSN, RN]

I was actually contacted by the school directly to take a student last year. If I had a student interested, I would funnel the request through my boss (I am at a charter, much different than a huge public school system), but usually the paperwork/etc would come from the school.