Just how do we find preceptors?

[ChristineN, BSN, RN]

How have you all had most success finding preceptors? I have networked with other NP's/student NP's I know, I have contacted state NP association, I have e-mailed and cold called clinics, and I still have nothing. My school would like me to find someone by June so they have the summer to get the provider approved and paperwork done, so I am starting to freak out.

So how did ya'll do it?

[mzaur]

Which program are you in? Do most NP programs make you find your own?

[ChristineN, BSN, RN]

Which program are you in? Do most NP programs make you find your own?

I am attending LaSalle University and they make us find are own. My understanding from reading on all nurses that that while some schools will set up clinicals for you, there are many that expect you to do all the leg work. I even have coworkers that are attending on campus classes for NP at a nationally renowned program and they are still expected to find their own clinical sites.

[CookiePB]

Christine, I'm struggling myself It's really starting to worry me! I've sent out so many emails, left voice messages, etc. I'm not sure what my next step should be...

[ChristineN, BSN, RN]

Christine I'm struggling myself It's really starting to worry me! I've sent out so many emails, left voice messages, etc. I'm not sure what my next step should be...[/quote']

I wish I had advice. I feel like MSN programs need an overhaul for a better way for students to find clinical sites. If med schools had to go through this there would be an outcry

[mzaur]

Best of luck

[BostonFNP, APRN]

Try joining your state's NP association. They often will help connecting students and preceptorship.

For anyone considering NP school: be very weary of programs that do not assist with clinic placements.

[myelin]

Try joining your state's NP association. They often will help connecting students and preceptorship.

For anyone considering NP school: be very weary of programs that do not assist with clinic placements.

This is how I feel. If students stopped attending these programs, this wouldn't be an issue.

[CookiePB]

This is how I feel. If students stopped attending these programs, this wouldn't be an issue.

That's a very idealistic view. Also, the largest University in my state requires students to find their own preceptors. I've heard this is not at all unique, and is in fact quite common. I agree, it's a problem. However, why blame the students for attending rather than the programs for their structure?

[BostonFNP, APRN]

That's a very idealistic view. Also, the largest University in my state requires students to find their own preceptors. I've heard this is not at all unique, and is in fact quite common. I agree, it's a problem. However, why blame the students for attending rather than the programs for their structure?

It is a big problem right now. A BIG problem. Sadly, the students are suffering on both the financial and academic end of the deal.

There are too many programs and not enough preceptors: the solution for many (even well-known quality) programs is to say "find your own". It's not acceptable and perspective students should be very weary of it. If a program tells you to find your own, they really don't have their students' best interest in mind.

Preceptorships dictate much of the novice NPs success in the first years of practice. Students should be aware of this and consider it heavily in deciding where to matriculate.

[RNtoNPwithfaith]

Are you able to use an NP or physician where u work?

[RNtoNPwithfaith]

Try joining your state's NP association. They often will help connecting students and preceptorship.

For anyone considering NP school: be very weary of programs that do not assist with clinic placements.

I applied to several NP programs, none of which helped with clinical placement. How is this possible for the school/program when one attends a distance learning program? Consider yourself lucky if you do not have to find your own. There is nothing wrong with finding your own preceptor. We are all nurses who know nurses who know nurses and even physicians for that matter.