MCCD Preceptorships

mrsboots87 · Jan 19, 2016

Some schools no longer have them because they can't get enough placements. Of the ones that do, I have heard they may begin to no longer offer them soon. That is just hearsay though so not sure if it's true.

If if you get a preceptorship, at the end of block 3 or very beginning of block 4, whichever instructor is managing preceptorship will have you fill out a form with your employment info if you work as a CNA and your top 5 facility choices and specialty choices. You are not guaranteed any of them and could even end up at a school. Your placement is based on if you are in CEP or not(they get first dibs at hospital spots) and your grades and clinical feedback. People with grades close to the border can't be placed in hospitals. Your grade is based on the first 3-5 tests of the semester before placements are given.

If if you get laced at MIHS you will be notified about a month in advance. Any other facilities and you could find out where you are going as late as finals week. You can get your schedule as late as the first day of preceptorship. Basically be flexible and hope your employer is accommodating.

rac1, ASN, BSN, RN · Jan 19, 2016

I can't find anything online about maricopa county community college preceptorships. Do you get to pick where you want to go? Any info would be great!

Can you explain what a preceptorship is? Just curious...

wildling · Jan 19, 2016

Thank you for that information. I know my school still does it (SCC) so was wondering about the details :) Did you get your first choice for your specialty?

wildling · Jan 19, 2016

At the end of block 4 you follow a RN around for I believe 3 12 hour shifts a week the last few weeks. It is different than clinical as you act a hired RN I believe.

mrsboots87 · Jan 20, 2016

I just graduated SCC. They are one of the few still currently offering a preceptorship. Good choice. I loved the program.

I got lucky and did get my first choice. I had a 87 or 88% when preceptor placements were decided. I didn't originally get my first choice, but still was placed on a good unit in a nice hospital. But a few days before the final I asked the instructor managing the program if she could see if there was any availability to switch to my preferred unit. She asked, and they happened to have an opening so it worked out.

Others were switched last minute due to facility needs and space. Also, some people placed in hospitals who had decent grades, failed at the end and lost their placements, so that opens up room for changes.

The way SCC ran their preceptorship last fall was that you go to a preceptorship orientation/legal discussion for 8 hours the week before you start. Then you have to complete 72 hours of preceptorship one on one with an RN. Then you have a 4 hour wrap up the last day of preceptorship.

The only thing is that you may have the same preceptor the whole time, or it could change periodically and you might get a few. You get a lot more hands on experience then regular clinical and as you complete more hours, the RN let you manage more care. You start and end with your RN preceptor. Even if they leave late. There are still a few things you can't do due to liability. You will get to chart, provide most treatments and learn to manage your day like a working RN. It was an amazing experience and it's great for those who get to do it. I helps prepare for transitioning into a graduate nurse role.