Advice for finding a preceptor

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

I'm trying to arrange an ED preceptorship for myself as the final part of my ED nursing class. The program doesn't find preceptors for us. And unfortunately I don't know anyone that works in the ED who I could approach, so I have to start my search from scratch.

I work for two healthcare organizations so I have about 5-6 EDs that I can have ready access to as an organization employee.

The question is: what would be the best way for me to contact them to ask about finding an ED preceptor? Who in the ED would you recommend I direct my inquiry too? Or do I have to ask outside of the ED (e.g, nurse educator, recruiter, HR)? Any advice on what I should include in my request? I've never had to find a preceptor before so any guidance is appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[Nalon1 RN/EMT-P, BSN, RN]

I would start with the education department.

They could then tell you who to contact (most likely the ED director or manager) and probably give you an idea of what nurses you may want to precept with.

You could just start with the ED director, but they may feel they are too busy to mess with it, but if you have the education department saying they are willing to help, it would make it much easier.

[Lev, MSN, RN, NP]

I think this calls for contacting HR to see if they could direct you to the appropriate person. I would avoid contacting the ED director directly since as the PP mentioned, they are probably too busy.