Help: Can't find a preceptor

Published

I have recently gone back to school for my MSN+ACNP.

If i had know that I would have to find my own preceptors...I don't think I would of gone back.

This is one of the most frustrating experiences that I've ever experienced...

The begging, calling, and not even be able to get past the secretaries... :crying2:

Can anyone give me tips on how to get a PCP to even talk to me?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

Surely the school has contacts they have used in the past. Do you know any Nurse Practioners who can advise? Try calling the Education depts of hospitals and ask for whomever it is that handles student scheduling. They generally know about MD preceptors for PA, NP and med students. Last resort: Get names and addresses from your BON and write people with request. I wish you luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Good luck, I don't know much about this stuff. If it was me I would start with the nurse educator on my floor, and then progress to other nurse educators throughout the hospital.

I have recently gone back to school for my MSN+ACNP.

If i had know that I would have to find my own preceptors...I don't think I would of gone back.

This is one of the most frustrating experiences that I've ever experienced...

The begging, calling, and not even be able to get past the secretaries... :crying2:

Can anyone give me tips on how to get a PCP to even talk to me?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Family Practice, Mental Health.

See if your instructor will give you a few names of prior graduates who have had success in finding preceptors.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I agree with contacting the Education department at you local hospitals. Also, I volunteer at a non-profit community clinic that serves indigent residents of our community and it seems like there are always NP student, Residents, etc. Do you have such a clinic in your area? They really enjoy the free help so you'd have a good chance of them agreeing to precept you. Good Luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in psych, geriatrics.

Do they make you find your own lecturers? It's weak of them to dump the legwork on you, they should be ashamed to take your money. Good luck

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Operating Room.

Popwhizbangz, it is quite common practice, especially for for-profit schools to make you find your whole preceptor.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency Room.

Check with the community healthcenters in your area they tend to have a number of NP's working there which I am sure would be willing to precept you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Gastroenterology; and Primary Care.

This site may be of some assistance :yeah:

http://www.enpnetwork.com/nurse-practitioner-preceptors

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych, Chem Dependency, Occ. Health.

Thank you so much for this link!!!!! I can't even begin to thank you enough. I have been willing to travel anywhere in the US to get my hours done since preceptors are so slim here in the Chicago area and just needed a place to narrow down some potential options. It feels like Christmas!! :yeah::yeah::yeah:

Sue

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Gastroenterology; and Primary Care.

no problem! i am glad i was able to help! i will be in the same shoes in a few months!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Curious how your search for a preceptor turned out. Was the web site helpful? I flagged it for future use because I plan on doing a distance program and will have to find some of my own clinicals.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion