Last minute clinical hours emergency!

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Any advice appreciated!

I am currently attending Drexel's PMHNP program. I need to get 160 hours of clinical time completed over a 10 week period. I have had a preceptor lined up since February, but due to miscommunication, I just found out that she will only be able to offer 90 hours. Obviously, this is a HUGE problem. The deadline for preceptor paperwork was April 1. I work with psychiatrists, but feel uncomfortable asking them to precept me because I do not want to put them in an awkward position if they do not want to do it. Any similar problems? I emailed my tract and program coordinator, but I am really, really upset. Help!!

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Specializes in Pediatics, Family Practice.

It's unfortunate that you won't get the full hours with the first preceptor, but remember it could always be worse. What if she couldn't offer any hours? I would just ask all of the psychiatrists you work with. They could say no, but they could say yes. You won't know if you don't ask. Also ask the preceptor if she knows of any one else that can precept, and look around your area.

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I ended up having to ask a psychiatrist I had worked with (I had quit recently to finish up my program) when my preceptor and mentor passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack. It worked out wonderful and even turned out that he had preceptors my mentor so it have us something a little more personal in common. Most psychiatrists love to teach and jump on the opportunity to train PMHNP but don't get asked as often as they should. I honestly think if they turn you down they aren't going to feel weird nor should you they are probably just really busy.

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Specializes in Outpatient Psychiatry.

I'm in a similar boat. In three weeks I will be moving clear across the state and starting a new job. The next week, a week I'm in orientation for the new job, will require me to attend an orientation for summer clinical rotations for my PMHNP program, and I have to get 90 hours of talk therapy time in.

1. I don't even have a house to live in yet.

2. I have no clue where I'm doing clinicals.

3. I am a little on the fence about having to make my new employer give me a day (or half a day) off my second week of work.

4. I just started several sentences with "I."

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