Enticing preceptors: What to offer?

[juschillin, MSN, RN, NP]

I'm renewing PMHNP certification (following a few years away from practice for family leave) and need 400 clinical hours. When I graduated in 2003 the only enticement for a preceptor to have someone tagging along was their ability to use the time for continuing education hours.

What are some ideas on what can be offered to a potential preceptor in exchange for hours?

How are NP's finding preceptors?

I'll network as much as I can, e.g., via professional organizations, LinkedIn, and universities.

Thanks.

[chillnurse, BSN, RN, NP]

buy me beer. jk. you shoudlnt have to offer anything. Id take anybody pretty much as long as they are human and not ridiculous. I mean since when has humanity stooped so low to where we don't help each other? Oh wait its always been like that.

[uncnp]

I think for most it is just a time issue, I just don't have time to precept, can't think of anything you could offer

[juschillin, MSN, RN, NP]

Thanks UNCNP. It's an issue of time, yes. One of my colleagues in SC precepts at the VA and is already so slammed with her regular job duties...

chillnurse, you're correct in that some people just don't want the bother of helping someone. I'm glad to see you are receptive to the concept of lending a helping hand.

[BeautynBrains_RN]

I wish you guys were near me in NC. I AM IN DESPERATE need of a Women's Health NP / OBGYN in NC!

[Psychcns]

I think a busy practice could make use of volunteer help so you could get your 400 hours. Maybe just network. Call your state aprn professional associations etc.

[juschillin, MSN, RN, NP]

While networking today, I spoke with a local pediatric NP who said that her office gets DAILY requests from NP's needing clinical hours and preceptor time. She said that there is just not enough time to do it, plain and simple, and there is no amount of incentives one could offer in exchange. She said that "back in the day" this was not an issue for students (finding clinical sites) because the schools were providing them. Now, she said, schools are making the students find their own preceptors.

With the rise in number of online programs, I think schools are taking in students (that is, taking their money), promising a lucrative salary upon graduation, but not providing the clinical sites. There is clearly something wrong with this picture. At least I already have my degree, so I feel fortunate in that respect. But I'm still in need of the hours, and without that, I can't practice.

Thank you, Psychcns and BeautynBrains_Rn, for your responses to this post.

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Check out Wallgreens and CVS ...both state they are offering preceptor programs.

[juschillin, MSN, RN, NP]

KRSKaren,

Thank you and I will certainly investigate and help spread the word.