How do I find a preceptor?

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Dear Needs a Preceptor,

Congrats on completing your RN refresher course! Finding a preceptor for your RN clinical hours is crucial to activating your RN license.

Here are some suggestions to help you locate a preceptor in the New Orleans area:

Contact Local Hospitals Reach out to the education or clinical coordination departments at local hospitals and healthcare facilities. They may have a list of nurses willing to serve as preceptors for RN refresher students. Explain your situation and ask for guidance.

As a Nursing Professional Development Specialist in Staff Development, it was common to receive requests for assistance. Fortunately, we were often able to help. Some hospitals have clinical ladder programs that grant rewards to staff nurses for precepting and other professional activities.

Connect with Nursing Schools Reach out to nursing schools in your area, including community colleges and universities. Some schools have networks of clinical instructors and preceptors who may be willing to assist you.

Online Nursing Communities Although most online sources focus more on NP preceptors, perusing facebook and LinkedIn groups is worthwhile.  Post a request for a preceptor, and you may find nurses in your area willing to help. 

Nurse Associations Contact local nursing associations, such as the Louisiana State Nurses Association (LSNA). They may have resources or be able to connect you with experienced nurses who can serve as preceptors.

Professional Networks Tap into your personal and professional network. Ask colleagues, friends, or former classmates if they know of nurses willing to be preceptors.

Nursing Faculty Reach out to nursing faculty members you worked with during your RN refresher course. They often have connections in the nursing community and may be able to recommend potential preceptors. Ask them to give you the names of previous students who found a preceptor.

Consider Online Resources Some online platforms and organizations specialize in connecting nursing students with preceptors, although, again, they are more geared toward NP students. While these may come with fees, they can be a valuable resource if you're struggling to find a preceptor through other means.

Since Louisiana is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) nursing compact state, you can use a preceptor from another compact state. I'm only mentioning it in case you can't find a preceptor near you and have to relocate temporarily.

When reaching out to potential preceptors, be clear about your requirements, including the number of hours needed and the specific skills or areas you'd like to focus on during your clinical experience. 

Ensure that the preceptor you choose meets any requirements set by your RN refresher program and your state board of nursing. Good luck with your clinical hours and the reactivation of your RN license!

Nurse Beth