Most successful way to find a preceptor

[Ashley9247, ADN]

I'm a CNM student at FNU. It is time for me to begin reaching out to potential preceptors. I have been compiling a list of possible preceptors for over a year and have about 80 on my list and they are located within a 3-hour radius of my home. I have many of these individuals on facebook though I do not know them personally. I want to reach them directly but do not want to seem unprofessional if I reach out via FB. I feel like I only have one shot to make a good first impression and I don't want to ruin it.

Students: I would love to know how you were most successful in obtaining a clinical site and preceptor.

Preceptors: I would love to know how you prefer to be contacted.

[queenanneslace, ADN, MSN, APRN, CNM]

I see a lot of questions about finding preceptors, and not a lot of responses.

First (maybe this is obvious) - making online requests to the universe at large for a preceptor is probably not very effective.

This is what I'd suggest:

NETWORKING - in person.

Go to local midwifery meetings. Go to midwifery seminars. Go to midwifery/nursing conferences - AWHONN, ACNM, ACOG. Attend Frontier case days in person. I cannot overemphasize the importance of making connections IN PERSON. If there is a doula meeting and there are going to be nurse-midwives there, GO. If a hospital is hosting a 'Meet the Midwives' day for their CNMs. GO. If there is a movie night about something birthy in the community and CNMs will be there. GO.

When you get there, be friendly, ask the midwives about themselves and their practices. Be social. Let them know that you are looking for a clinical site, and ask if they have any ideas or suggestions.

Preceptors are going to want to get a feel for you - and that is virtually impossible to do with online or email requests.

My advice is to do whatever you can do - IN PERSON - to interface with CNMs. That is probably the best way to secure a clinical site.