Massachusetts FNP student looking for NP preceptors!

gerry79 · Jul 27, 2010

Your school did not set up preceptor ship prior to start of the semester?

SoonToBeFNP · Jul 27, 2010

Hi Gerry,

The school has a clinical coordinator who tries to contact facilities and set up preceptors but so far no one I have spoken with has gotten a placement through the school as of yet (this doesn't mean they haven't...I just haven't heard of it). Although the school coordinator is working with students that have found their own placements to set up the contracts and necessary paperwork. Regis is discouraging cold calling facilities as many of the larger facilities are being overwhelmed with students calling and frankly are getting quite irritated. I do have some time to drive to different practices but I feel more at ease if I speak with someone first and then meet with someone. I've had a few responses from office managers but I keep hearing that the MD/NP schedules have been tightened and they would have trouble including teachable moments. I have one preceptorship to take up approx 4 weeks but that's it. A bit unnerving as you can imagine. I know a lot of the other students are in the same boat. Figured this might be a good way to find someone. Can't hurt! :-)

gerry79 · Jul 28, 2010

Hi Gerry,
The school has a clinical coordinator who tries to contact facilities and set up preceptors but so far no one I have spoken with has gotten a placement through the school as of yet (this doesn't mean they haven't...I just haven't heard of it). Although the school coordinator is working with students that have found their own placements to set up the contracts and necessary paperwork. Regis is discouraging cold calling facilities as many of the larger facilities are being overwhelmed with students calling and frankly are getting quite irritated. I do have some time to drive to different practices but I feel more at ease if I speak with someone first and then meet with someone. I've had a few responses from office managers but I keep hearing that the MD/NP schedules have been tightened and they would have trouble including teachable moments. I have one preceptorship to take up approx 4 weeks but that's it. A bit unnerving as you can imagine. I know a lot of the other students are in the same boat. Figured this might be a good way to find someone. Can't hurt! :-)

Thanks for the explanation. Hope to start FNP program spring 11 (UMass Boston) and wondered how the preceptorship thing worked.

allnurses Guide · Jul 28, 2010

Have you tried contacting the MA League of Community Health Centers? My health center is precepting 2-3 students that were matched with us through this group. I'd also try contacting the MA Coalition of Nurse Practitioners. I don't know if they have a formal program to match preceptors with students, but they'd be a good place to start.

Good luck!

delphiniumRN · Jul 28, 2010

Caitlin, Go back to VA education department and see if they will train you in other areas. For example some of the clinics such as Causeway have medical. I think the VA has a women's health clinic. I know there are adequate Geri Patients. Preceptors are scarce however if you already have a good reputation at the VA, try to network. Good Luck.

PS I would think they would love to keep you there anyways. You are already trained and credentialed. They also know what type of worker you are.

FNPGrad · Jul 28, 2010

Hi Caitlin,

The one suggestion that I would offer is to not limit yourself to just NPs. I did my Pedi with an MD and my GYN with a PA. Both were excellent learning experiences and I was able to see the similarities and differences of each type of provider. Whatever you do, don't get discouraged. I literally had to get out the yellow pages and "cold call" offices to find preceptors. (I would NOT recommend it). Good Luck! :nurse:

SoonToBeFNP · Jul 29, 2010

The VA education coordinator is the person who set-up my cardiology rotation to begin with. Unfortunately the VA is all out of preceptors. They said they would let me know if anymore developed an interest in precepting. I have mentioned that I don't mind being precepted by MD/NP/PAs and will go wherever they have a spot open but so far no bites....

dot84 · Aug 30, 2011

Hi,

Can you tell me whether the school eventually found you preceptors? I'm in the same program and I've been looking for months but have only found one. Any info/advice on how these last two semesters are going to look would be appreciated. Thank you.

jcassagnol · Jan 25, 2014

Hi Caitlin, have you tried the "minuteclinic" website? They actually pair you up with NP preceptors as long as your school has a contract with them. This is their application website. http://www.minuteclinic.com/careers/clinicpractitioners/college/ Good luck. College Students

allnurses Guide · Jan 25, 2014

Hi Caitlin have you tried the "minuteclinic" website? They actually pair you up with NP preceptors as long as your school has a contract with them. This is their application website. http://www.minuteclinic.com/careers/clinicpractitioners/college/ Good luck. College Students

This was posted 3.5 years ago, I hope she found a preceptor before now!

sgraham2006 · Mar 22, 2015

Hi Cailtin, I know your post is old, but I am in the same boat now that you were a few years ago. I am looking for pedi/ ob/gyn (MD or NP, and an outpatient primary care or internal medicine NP). I am wondering if you have any contacts? or if you are in a position to precept as you must be out of school now and have some experience. I live in MA, but I am willing to travel to NH, RI, or Maine for clinical site if you know of any. My email is [email protected], if it is easier for you to respond to me there. I look forward to your response/possible info.