Preceptors at Frontier

[NurseCRL]

Hi Everyone!

I am a student at Frontier School of Midwifery and Family Nursing in the FNP tract. We are required to find our own clinical sites, the school hasn't been the best at helping us with updated lead (ie that really lead to something -like a signed contract) but we were aware when we signed up for the program that it can be difficult to find an NP preceptor. Does anyone have ideas as to where I can find an FNP preceptor? I have called my state BON, placed an ad via email on a very popular NP website and have called many many places in MD. We are now relocating back to NYC:o. I start my clinical next Aug.

I have a feeling that NYC will be better than Baltimore, but I'm worried. Any and all information and leads would be greatly appriciated.

[yellow finch, BSN, RN]

I had a similar issue initially in finding preceptors for my online program. The problem was not knowing anybody in the family practice field leading to some very, very stressful experiences both with my instructors and in my personal life.

However, I think I've discovered the answer to my problems. Maybe this can help you out some... I did a search online for some rural family practice groups that were within a reasonable commuting distance. I located within the website for the NPs that worked there, and sent them an email along with my resume stating my interest in spending time with them in clinicals. Follow that up with a phone call, and things get set up. I also came across a website that offers clinicals in rural sites not far from me as well. You have to apply well in advance, but it helps with my final semester of clinicals.

Calling private practices didn't seem to amount to much, so I gave up on that.

With you moving to NYC you will have more potential preceptors around. You may not have as many rural options as I have in the South, but you can also join associations that hold monthly meetings or lectures. Network with this folks to develop possibilities for your future clinicals. You can also find a FNP as your primary care provider, and see if he/she has any suggestions. My FNP will precept me next Spring! I never thought of her as a possibility.

Good luck to you. It's disappointing having to go through this, but at the same time, if my school set me up with a preceptor and I didn't like them there wouldn't be many options available. It's sort of a mixed blessing. :)