Just how do we find preceptors?

[ChristineN]

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?

[davesbride]

I have recently been accepted into an online FNP program that does provide the preceptors for clinicals. There are multiple reason why I was interested in the program but one of the main ones because of that. My programis expensive but for me it is well worth it. I can focus on school and not having to worry about finding a preceptor. I know other APRN students who have been unable to find preceptors and then end up delaying graduation because of it. There are services that will help you find a preceptor BUT they charge a fee. ONe of the students I know used a sevice but ended up having to drive over 200 miles and stay in a hotel just to complete one of her clinical rotations.

[TraceyMarino]

I urge anyone pursuing NP education to get a commitment from preceptors before they plunk down money for a program. I had a commitment from all of my preceptors before I even paid any tuition. Other students in my group did not have preceptors lined up and it delayed their completion of the program, or they found preceptors who were sub par and settled for a poor clinical experience.

This boom in online NP programs and direct entry programs will only continue to marginalize the NP role. There is already erosion in the starting pay of NP's compared to PA's, and this will only continue as these programs churn out poorly prepared NP's. How come there are no online PA programs? Because PA's know better than to create an over-abundance of PA's. I interviewed for 2 jobs upon graduation and did not get the job because I attended an online program. Didn't matter that I passed the boards, the job went to the new grad PA's. New grad PA's have no problem finding jobs, however, NP's can't get jobs unless they have at least 1 year of experience. Why is this? Many new grad NP's are not well prepared compared to PA's. Flame me if you want to, but this is the truth.

[TashaLPN2006RN2012, ASN, RN]

Tracey,

While I do agree that there are many online programs that can turn out sub-par NPs, I think it is very dependent on your area as to if a new grad can or can't get a job. For instance I live in Jacksonville, which has a huge population of elderly and chronic diseases. It's a very sick population and a very large city. Managed care is huge down here and they do hire a lot of brand new grads. The pay is very decent as well (the company I do case management for right now starts NP's right around 100K) Also the company I work for will not hire any PA's as they feel they do not have the disease management/office management skills needed for this type of work. When I first stared here 18mo ago, they had an experienced PA and a brand new grad PA and neither could hack it in a family and geriatric clinic. So all in all I think it is hard to compare the two so generally. After those two PAs were let go, the consensus was to only hire MDs, DOs, and FNPs for our clinics from now on. Again this may just be due to the geographical area, perhaps in other parts of the country it's much different. There also isn't a local PA program here so NP's are most always used.

Tasha

[Road2CNO]

To actually give some helpful advice vs criticizing the current problem, go to offices in person and ask to speak to the office manager. This is how I got my sites. Many of them can't give you a definite answer but are more than happy to give the contact info for your application process

[Conqueror+, BSN, RN]

I refuse to fork over 50k and do the most difficult task associated with my program. Why do you think they put it back on the student?

[lhflanurseNP, APRN]

As jesbowne states...contact the office manager. I suggest making a "portfolio" to give to her/him. It should include a short bio on you, what your goals are, and why that particular office. You can include some info about the school and if you can, information on the clinical you are asking to preceptor there with.

[julielive]

For me, I want my FNP so badly that cold calling MD offices, sitting for hours in waiting rooms, speaking with office managers, and asking my own physician for assistance was done without hesitation. Yes, it was a little uncomfortable at first, awkward at times, but in the end, if I didn't do it? Only I suffered with not graduating and getting my clinicals done. I have worked too hard for that to be an option.