NP Preceptors and advice wanted

[HAL_APRN19]

Hello everyone. I have 2 issues that I want to vent about and want advice. I'm sure this has been a topic that's been brought up multiple times on here...but I am so frustrated with finding preceptors. I currently live in SC, but I attend an online NP program in PA. I am to begin my clinicals in the Fall of 2018 and have had NO luck in finding anyone here. All the facilities in my state have a contract with local colleges and are only willing to precept those students. I've looked in nearby states with no luck. The one preceptor I did find 2 hours away are only available on Wednesdays and Thursdays...which I was so grateful for but then...

I have a GREAT government job and my work hours coincide with clinical hours. I've tried talking to my boss about possibly being off those 2 days my potential preceptors are available...however, I obviously can't be off those 2 days every week for the next 6 months. I'm at a crossroad where I have to choose between the two. My job or my career progression. IT IS SO FRUSTRATING. I am willing to drive anywhere just so I can complete this degree. But it's looking like I might have to drop out instead, because I also really need my current job.

To those who've graduated, how did you all manage this? I guess at this point, I am just seeking to hear about your experiences and what you've done in my situation. Thanks for reading this.

[Dodongo, APRN, NP]

Did you not give any forethought to how this would work prior to this point?

You knew when you matriculated into this program you would have to find your own preceptors. And you knew you would need a certain number of days per week to complete clinical hours - perhaps at the expense of your job.

In my case, I knew prior to starting school that I had preceptors available. And I knew I needed a casual work position, which I secured prior to school, in order to easily complete clinical hours, which to me was more important than work hours.

[HAL_APRN19]

I'm glad everything worked out to your favor and you've achieved your goal. I hope to be able to do the same thing for myself one day. However, unlike you, I don't have the luxury to have chosen my preceptors prior to matriculating, nor have the option to choose a casual work place. I planned ahead and considered carefully prior to beginning an NP program, unfortunately, it didn't work out for me the way I had hope.

Thank you for taking the time reply.

[inthecosmos, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN]

Truthfully, one of the biggest downsides of your scenario is not wanting to give your current job up. Can you transfer within the company so your hours are different?

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Finding preceptors is hard. Have you tried your state's APRN organization? Asked at the school?

The other option might be a shiftworker. When I did clinicals (1200 total for two programs), I worked my regular day job but then did clinicals on night shift with an ER/UC/inpt hospitalist team. It was NOT fun but I wanted to achieve my goal (as do you). Would that be an option?

Also, I moved your thread to the student NP forum...

[umbdude, MSN, APRN]

Can you transfer to the local colleges that you mentioned?