Now soon is too soon....

Hi Brandon!

Is never too soon to start making connections, and network. As far as a timeline, it depends somewhat on the school, since each college has their own way, so to speak. I was told that it might take a long time, and lots of effort to find preceptors, but I was fortunate to make only 4 phone calls, and got accepted in 2 different places. I started my search about 1 year prior to the actual start of my clinical, and I intend to have several options lined up, just in case. Once you start, you will be given more guidance, you will get a list of preferred, or already credentialed sites, preceptors that have worked with your university prior, or even alumni. I do not specifically know the required hours and exams you have to perform in specialized areas, but I believe that you will need more than one preceptor. Since you said you live in WV, a rural clinic might be the only site you need, since they see whatever comes through the door. Also, since you work ER, 20% of your hours or more, depending on the program, can be done with an NP or MD in that department.

Good luck!

So you do not think it is too early to seek out preceptors???

I have written a letter that I believe I will send to a bunch of places seeking help. I would love to spend time in clinics, VA, and health rights...... AS an Adult NP student I just don't know WHERE I have to spend time at.

more advice all!!! Its great!

Talk to your advisor or students who are already in the clinical phase, otherwise we can only guess. Your school may have very specific requirements as to clinical preceptors and the process of securing them. Do this before you start sending out a bunch of "cold call" letters, as this may make you and your school appear unorganized or unprofessional. Without the actual guidelines, you really have no idea what you are even asking them for. It does not hurt to line up a few potential sites if you know them personally but do this with the understanding that there is no commitment until you know the school's requirements.

When was your application deadline and when did you find out you were admitted? My husband has applied for fall programs and I was thinking we wouldn't hear until June?

You may want to join the state and local NP groups to get to know NP's in your area and smoooze with them. Let them know your a student and will be looking for preceptors in the very near future.

Texas Tech

ACNP 2013 grad

Never too soon. You need to find a preceptor. Then you have to get them to sign contract/agreement. You would think that wouldnt take a year but it does. Sometimes you get promises that dont work out. What I did is treated it like an interview. I called down the phone book. Walked to offices. I kept a portfolio that had a cover letter and my CV. Also, I would see if you could try to get in touch with a class thats ahead of you and see who they used for there preceptors. Thats how I got in touch with my preceptor.