Frontier - finding a preceptor

Hi - I'm not yet a student - but amidst applying to Frontier and PhilaU. I just had a lovely conversation with a CNM about preceptorships the other day (since PhilaU wants you to have a clinical site identified when you apply OY.)

Basically, the CNM said: Just call us. We'll set up an interview, meet you, and talk about the availability in our schedule to take on students.

I was reminded how sweet and helpful midwives are - recruiting your own preceptor is kind of intimidating - but after that conversation I felt much better it.

I've had friends who went to classroom-based CNM programs - and they were sent literally all over the country for their clinical rotations. There is a benefit in being able to select your own site - and don't be afraid to consider sites a few hours from where you live. A lot of times clinicals can be scheduled in blocks of days so you can travel and do 2-3 days of clinical - then back home to work or whatever.

Try to go to some ACNM affiliate meetings - if they're in your area. That's a good way to meet midwives.

My plan is to attend graduate school part-time, because I want to be able to graduate with little debt when I'm finished. At one point in my life, I felt like the quick-and-spendy route was preferable, but I'm finding that I dislike debt. As an RN, I can be paid quite well, and have a lot of flexibility in work hours.

Do you live in an area with CNM practices? If you do, you should be able to find a group that will precept you. Are you willing/able to travel for clinical experience? That will help too. Good luck!

Thanks for getting back with me. Where I live the local hospital has 5 CNM's, but I have been talking to one of them and she said they no longer take students because patient's don't like having 2 exams. I am willing to travel (within reason) for precepting. It just makes me very nervous. What class in Frontier are you applying to?

I graduated from Frontier last fall. I was fortunate that I had worked many years in L&D and knew many of the CNMs in town. I was able to find willing preceptors because of that. I know that many students have a difficult time finding preceptors, no matter what school they choose. I'd suggest that you network as much and as often as possible, especially if you don't work on a unit where the CNMs see your face regularly. Best of luck to you!

OHSU faculty told me that the school finds the clinical sites for their students. This can be a big plus!