NP Clinical Programs

[tutsweet]

I'm thinking about going back to school to become an NP. I believe that the rigor and breadth of one's practicum is critical to the development of a practitioner. During my review of nursing programs, I notice that many schools leave it up to the student to arrange for their own clinicals. I'm wondering if, in fact, all NP programs require that students arrange for their own clinicals - and I was simply unaware. Is that true? If it is, can anyone make recommendations on how to arrange for rigorous clinical rotations? Thanks, in advance.

[zmansc, ASN, RN]

Many do leave it up to the student to identify the preceptor and site. Most of those will then have some accreditation process as well as some monitoring of the clinical time. I do not believe there is a standard that the programs must meet in how they monitor the clinical time, so if this is important to you (which it should be and sounds like it is), then this would be a good thing for you to evaluate as you consider programs.

As for how to identify good sites, the first step in this is to network within the community of NPs and providers in your area. Once you have established yourself as someone who will be a future peer, and as credible, then my experience is many will be willing to help you either as potential preceptors themselves or as reference to those providers whom they think will do an excellent job precepting you. Don't get me wrong, the ratio of preceptors to students has gotten bad in the past few years, so it is important to find someone early and keep in touch with them so they are invested and interested in helping you.

[elkpark]

There are NP programs that arrange clinical practica for students, and closely monitor the caliber of clinical education the program provides --you just have to look for them.

[np2009]

My program has a clinical placement coordinator so we don't have to worry about finding our own preceptor. As said above, some schools do provide placement for you.