Paying for clinical placements?

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Specializes in ER/Trauma.

I've called 152 clinics in the Atlanta area trying to find a provider that will take an NP student. I finally found an MD that is willing to accept me for the fall, but was informed by her current NP student that the physician charges $200/week for acting as a preceptor and that other places in the area are charge up to $350/week.

I had come across a company that was offering a preceptor matching service for $15/h and thought that was crazy, but is it now the norm to pay for placements?

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Specializes in OR Nursing, Critical Care, Med-surg.

200 per week?? 15/hr? Omg! That's insanely high. Not sure if that's the norm but that's crazy. Wow.

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Specializes in ER.

To be fair, taking a student on requires extra effort on the preceptor. They have to double check everything. Not getting paid extra is almost crazy in my mind.

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Specializes in NICU, telemetry.

I didn't have to pay for the clinical I just finished, and I had 3 people offer to precept me...none of them asking for payment. My next preceptor has not asked either. I have another potential preceptor for the following semester, who also has not asked.

I have heard of people paying and of agencies that find preceptors for you that expect pay, but I would say no, it's not "the norm".

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Although I would not like it, I would rather pay for a placement than not have one at all. It is disheartening to read that you had to call 152 places in search of a willing preceptor.

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Specializes in Family practice, emergency.

I have had a terrible time with locating a preceptor, but I would NEVER pay for a clinical placement! I am paying tuition, and our school also provides them a stipend. Plus, they get hours for teaching... I strongly urge you not to pay for a clinical site, because that is going to make it harder for students that go after you. Have you tried showing up at any offices? Also, check out Walgreens, they now have positions posted for student FNP positions. I also had luck with npfinder and going through my state NP organization. Best of luck to you!

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Specializes in ER/Trauma.

In the end I called 192 places... 2 have said yes (aside from the one who wanted payment) and the staff at the office laughed and said 'of course not' when I asked if there was a fee. I am just waiting for the paperwork to be signed to make it official.

bebbercorn- I applied to Walgreen's and CVS, my school didn't have an agreement with CVS so I was turned down.

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Specializes in NICU, telemetry.

Glad you found a place, and for free!

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I see side income for providers on the horizon...

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Specializes in Urgent Care NP, Emergency Nursing, Camp Nursing.

My understanding is that the fee is usually paid by the school...although you end up paying the school. In Chicago, Chamberlain and a few other programs appear willing to do this, while DePaul doesn't. Lemme tell you, finding certain rotations were a pain to find...

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I'm running into the same problem in the Atlanta area as well. I've found a few who are willing to take students but they have already promised slots to GSU and KSU. I'm going to Columbus State University's online program. I have to find a preceptor by June 1st in urgent care or fam practice.

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We have to hunt for our own clinicals? I thought the schools had pre-arranged hospitals around the city lined up for clinicals?

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