Needing advice

Mhsrnbsn · Aug 29, 2016

0It's really almost impossible to get answers from an actual NP in the NP Student section so here goes.

I am currently an RN and I work in a hospital. I am enrolled in an online FNP program. I don't know any FNP in primary care since I only moved to Florida a few years ago, and I work at night. I am even more so in a tight space because my school is based out of Massachusetts where I came from, and I live in Florida. Please offer me guidance on the best way to make connections to FNPs without being a nuisance. I need 630 clinical hours and no more than 50% can be with a MD, I'm anxious and I haven't even begun my clinicals yet.

What I currently have done was go to my linked in account updated it, and searched for nurse practitioners in my area. I have invited some to connect but I will just have to wait and see what happens from that front. I was very honest in my profile stating that I am looking to connect to NPs so I can hopefully find a preceptor or be directed to someone that wouldn't mind.

I acknowledge preceptorship is not easy; I realize there is paperwork and extra added onto your already full plates, and I also realize it's hard to find motivation for such a task when it isn't paid; so how do I find someone that just loves to teach and doesn't expect anything out of it in return?

I would think, with NPs across the board being a desperately needed position, coupled with the desire for complete autonomy from doctors; already practicing NPs would be more supportive and trying to grow the profession. But I am finding not many nurse practitioners want to precept, judging from other students panicked posts about finding preceptors, and it's so discouraging.

I would appreciate any and all feedback, and also hope this does not get moved to the student section since I already posted something similar there with no responses from a APRN.

Jules A, MSN · Aug 29, 2016

I would think, with NPs across the board being a desperately needed position, coupled with the desire for complete autonomy from doctors; already practicing NPs would be more supportive and trying to grow the profession. But I am finding not many nurse practitioners want to precept, judging from other students panicked posts about finding preceptors, and it's so discouraging.
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I totally hear what you are saying and can offer both some suggestions as well as some reasons why NPs aren't lining the streets offering to take on whatever Tom, Dick or Harriett decides they are going to sign up for an online program and become a NP.

To find a preceptor definitely join your state's NP organization and start participating in their activities. My state's NP organization even has a section of NPs willing to precept. The other thing is to really network with your hospital contacts as these are probably the best way to get that introduction.

Please be mindful that in addition to the points you added about the time involved to precept many of us are gun shy with the large numbers of subpar NP students floating around now. I simply do not have the time or inclination to take someone from zero to 60 in my specialty so if you don't have a strong psych background I won't even look at your resume. I'm happy to do a shadow day with anyone but don't commit to precept anyone I don't know professionally or who doesn't come as highly recommended by a colleague or friend. I'm not interested in possibly be linked to someone who is going to be a bad diagnostician and prescriber. I'm not sure how it is everywhere but in my area everyone knows everyone and I have my professional reputation to consider. I also find it strange that so many have absolutely no NP contacts. I spent time with several NPs to get a feel for the profession before I even registered for school.

On a side note I find it ridiculous that your school wouldn't embrace a highly educated physician over a NP as a preceptor. In most specialities we do exactly the same thing as physicians so I'm not buying there is anything all that specific a NP can teach that a physician can't and would argue that there is so much a more highly educated physician can teach a NP. Probably just another example of nursing attempting to thumb its nose at physician's while simultaneously demanding a seat at the table.

allnurses Guide · Aug 29, 2016

Have you tried connecting with your state's NP organization? Another good place to try are community health centers.

As far as NPs not wanting to precept, yes, it does take a lot of time and slows you down. That doesn't always fly with a practice that is numbers driven and you have to see a certain number of patients per day. My current boss is happy to let me precept, but I cannot reduce the number of patients I see per day. Therefore, I am not precepting this semester.

Best of luck to you in finding preceptors.

Mhsrnbsn · Aug 29, 2016

Thank you for your well thought out response! I am trying so to hard to network, it's just working at night really limits the people I have contact with unfortunately. My physicians office doesn't even have an NP! Her office is linked to a health system and there are NPs in the health system just none I have met via her office. I understand what you are saying about taking on strangers that may have no so great of training, and I get what you say about your reputation being on the line, because I precept new grad RNs before they are alone on the floor. And when they don't do so hot I always feel it's a reflection of myself. I totally understand it's just so hard and frustrating to meet my educational needs with such limited resources. But I am definitely trying my hardest to get where I need to be. Thanks for your insight :up:

Trauma Columnist · Aug 29, 2016

Agree with others: network with your states APRN organization, go to CME that is offered locally, connect with any pharm reps and go to their dinners if at all possible.

Best wishes.

Trauma Columnist · Aug 29, 2016

Merged threads.

Jules A, MSN · Aug 29, 2016

I am trying so to hard to network, it's just working at night really limits the people I have contact with unfortunately.

I know this might not be ideal but consider working, likely during the day, in a setting where you will be working as a NP in the future. A sacrifice now could make a big difference in future opportunities. Having a solid place of employment that can cross over to you as a NP in place because it will become a slam dunk for having preceptors, colleagues and also a future job offer. Good luck!

Mhsrnbsn · Aug 30, 2016

Thank you everyone! I am going to look into finding a job in some type of practice setting even if it's only part time a few days a week, so I can get my face out there! It was so much easier when I lived back home in MA. I was close with several NPs that I met through my jobs and personal life experiences but... Life happens I moved to Florida to be close to my sick father, I'm glad I spent time with him before he passed away but the move certainly has had an effect on what my plans for the future were.

They were so excited to hear I got into school, I figure I am starting early to try to avoid last minut stress, but I figure if by February or March if I can't find an acceptable preceptor/practice willing to help me grow, I may take a travel nursing contract... And go back home. It stinks cause I'm married but that's my last ditch effort plan. I had a network back home that I still have contact with. It's far from ideal, but I can still make a living while getting my needs met.

Jules A, MSN · Aug 30, 2016

That sounds like an excellent plan. Even just the process of interviewing different places will increase your professional contacts. Perhaps include that you could give NP references when looking for preceptors. A positive reference from a NP who worked with you as a RN would make me more likely to want to precept an unknown student. Definitely don't discount a physician preceptor and maybe push the school as to their rationale that 50% has to be NP? It sounds like you are preparing well in advance, have more than one back-up plan in place and are flexible so I have no doubt it will work out. Please keep us posted.

dinkan · Aug 30, 2016

my name is dinkan i am from india from last two times i am attending california Rn exam ..but i am working hard i reffer so many books but i am not getting any questions any similer questions from my refference please i need help ..i want to pass the exam .if any body can help pls .....

Jenny Leigh · Sep 3, 2016

When I was a student, I had to find my own preceptors. I made a "student resume" and went to offices that I wanted to do clinicals at and also where I may have interest in working after school. I would go to the front desk and tell them I was an NP student and ask to speak to the office manager. I would explain my interest/need and leave my information for the providers to call me if they would help me. Worked for me!