NP preceptorship

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Hi guys,

I am frustrated to tears trying to secure a preceptor for my pmhnp practicum coming up this January. I'm enrolled in the University of Cincinnati and they are not willing to help in the least. They basically have told me they have nothing to do with the preceptors and that if I do not find one I cannot proceed with the program. I have contacted everyone in the my area-Burlington, VT- and am having no success. I have even considered relocating and am still having trouble getting people to repsond. I don't know what I am doing wrong. I have tried everything and it is so depressing to think that after all this hard work and money I'll have to drop out of the program and go back to work to pay off my loans. This is the last cohort for the pmhnp before credential changes by the ANA; therefore, all my courses may not transfer into the new revised program. If anyone out there has any suggestions or knows of someone that would be willing to precept I'd be so grateful. I am 7 months pregnant and this is taking quite a toll on me; I am having trouble sleeping and am checking my e-mail and voice mail constantly in hopes that someone will have the decency in returning my call. Thanks for listening and any advice would be so welcome,

Amanda

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Specializes in Peri-op/Sub-Acute ANP.

- Join the both the national association for NPs and the local chapter.

- Go to the meetings, and look on their website (often times they have a list of preceptors that is available to view once you become a member).

- It is beyond comprehension that the school "has nothing to do" with preceptors in the United States. There is no doubt in my mind that the school has to have a contract with the preceptor's employer (stating that they will cover you for insurance, monitor your performance etc). As them for a list of their current contract holders (find someone who will give you this even if it means you go to the school and stand there 'till someone helps you) and then contact every single one of them.

- If you are eligible, join the nurses honor society and see if they have preceptors available.

- Go to your GP, any docs you know and ask them if they know anyone (docs, NPs and PAs can all precept you).

- Contact other students in your cohort and ask them if they have had offers from more than one preceptor - they might be willing to give you their caste-off preceptor information.

- Finally, you can pay to find a preceptor at preceptorconnect.com if all else fails.

Good luck!

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Specializes in ACNP-BC, Adult Critical Care, Cardiology.
They basically have told me they have nothing to do with the preceptors and that if I do not find one I cannot proceed with the program.

How are schools allowed to operate with this kind of policy?

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Wow. I start FNP studies in the Fall online. I need to start looking into preceptors, appartently.

I hope that you find a preceptor! If you do not mind, keep us posted on what worked for you! I will be looking into TakeTwoAspirin's advice for finding preceptors.

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-

- Finally, you can pay to find a preceptor at preceptorconnect.com if all else fails.

Good luck!

any personal or known experience with this service, I checked out the website and it seems very pricey!!!

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Hi guys,

I am frustrated to tears trying to secure a preceptor for my pmhnp practicum coming up this January. I'm enrolled in the University of Cincinnati and they are not willing to help in the least. They basically have told me they have nothing to do with the preceptors and that if I do not find one I cannot proceed with the program. I have contacted everyone in the my area-Burlington, VT- and am having no success. I have even considered relocating and am still having trouble getting people to repsond. I don't know what I am doing wrong. I have tried everything and it is so depressing to think that after all this hard work and money I'll have to drop out of the program and go back to work to pay off my loans. This is the last cohort for the pmhnp before credential changes by the ANA; therefore, all my courses may not transfer into the new revised program. If anyone out there has any suggestions or knows of someone that would be willing to precept I'd be so grateful. I am 7 months pregnant and this is taking quite a toll on me; I am having trouble sleeping and am checking my e-mail and voice mail constantly in hopes that someone will have the decency in returning my call. Thanks for listening and any advice would be so welcome,

Amanda

I can sympathize with your situation. I am required to find preceptors for my program as well. It can be very trying. As suggested join organizations and post on any forum you can find. Reach out as much as possible. Keep your head up and move forward, persistence pays. Best of luck to you.

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Many schools hold this policy. I attend a major university 40miles from my home town as a distance student that applies the same policy. However, they do not find preceptors for us but will provide a list if available for anyone used in our area in the past.

I do not agree with the concept that preceptors are not provided or assist with placing students, but this is the way it is and students know what they are going into before attending. It has been this way for sometime and it probably will not change. Due to the high demand of entry to programs, to place this volume of students would be difficult. then we go back to the argument about distance/online education. which is not the focus so I am not going there.

Are there any traditional on site programs that require students to find their own preceptors?

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I agree it's very frustrating trying to find a preceptor. As an FNP student they are pushing us to find an FNP in a physicians office setting who will precept you for the entire year. So far I haven't found one. I haven't even found one for spring semester...the ones I have contacted (multiple times) don't return calls. I feel for you charlie1234...best of luck, don't drop out..something will work for you!

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Specializes in Family Practice, Urgent Care.

I am beginning my last year in my FNP program and have decided to relocated back to my home town (3.5hrs away) in order to be with a NP preceptor instead of a MD or DO in the town I'm currently in. It is very frustrating. I guess I am blessed to have a willing NP near my home town though. We are also provided with a list, but I have not found it to be extremely helpful. You have to network yourself the best you can. Relocate if you have to/can....better than dropping the program if you ask me!

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The dropout rates for online programs (as opposed to in person "traditional" programs) are much higher, and I'm guessing this is part of the reason why. Be careful when you choose a program. How there programs are allowed to get away with not providing their students with training is beyond me. It's just so embarrassing for the field.

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Specializes in Peri-op/Sub-Acute ANP.
The dropout rates for online programs (as opposed to in person "traditional" programs) are much higher, and I'm guessing this is part of the reason why. Be careful when you choose a program. How there programs are allowed to get away with not providing their students with training is beyond me. It's just so embarrassing for the field.

Myelin, I would be really interested to see the data on this. What is your source?

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Sure, it was an article I read comparing online education and in-person. Attrition rates for online programs are much, much higher. I will try and dig it up for you. :)

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