Finding Preceptors

Trying to find preceptors was one of the most stressful things about grad school. I eventually set up all my rotations through personal contacts. For example, two NP friends contacted their old preceptors and I set up my family and peds rotations that way. I contacted a pharmacist friend who has close relationships with several women's health providers and found a WH preceptor that way. After telling my nurse manager I was having difficulty finding an internal med preceptor (I was a night-shifter and the IM docs rounded during the day), she started asking around and found one to agree to precept me. This didn't all happen overnight but maybe over a period of 2-4 months. My program required us to arrange preceptors a year in advance.

I did tons of cold calling and left messages for dozens of office managers. Some offices even have "student coordinators" as they get so bombarded with requests. Many requests went unanswered. Some called back and said they didn't take students. Some said they were booked with students for the next 1-2 years (!!). In the end, personal and professional contacts were the only way I found preceptors. Some providers may say no when asked by their office manager but yes to a friend that calls for a favor. I have already forwarded the favor to a couple friends currently in school. Spread the word that you're looking and don't be shy about asking! Good luck!

... and something to add...yes, the VA takes students but you have to start way ahead of time, don't wait till february, start now and you'll be glad you did.

For me, i started at least a year ahead and it paid off. If you wait, until next year, the places you are looking at may have been filled. Some of the responses i received was that they were booked for the present year and upcoming year. So, it does not hurt to book ahead. Just keep in touch with the preceptor and remind again and again...lol And another thing i did was to have at least two back-ups if you can because you may be dissapointed at the last minute. I was dissapointed by two of my preceptors, but it did not bother me because i had back-ups.

I used to just show up in the clinic or places i was looking at and ask to speak with the office manager. Some of those receptionist just tells you outrightly that they are fully booked, just because of the enormous amount of calls and enquiries they get.If calling, i prefer to leave a voice message for the manager if they are out of the voice. Some calls back, some don't. Depending on the office setting, the office managers are the ones who handles the clinical rotation. some places, i requested to see the MD and personally ask them. Ask when the doctor is usually in the office and go around that time or towards closing time. Just sit down and wait..lol..The MDs i knew, i asked them when they rounded in the hospital. The clinics closer to home that i really wanted and did not know the MDs, i would wait and ask them. Again, start early!

Goodluck!