SGTex

Hello hgigant ~ After you passed the Kaplan course did you have to obtain your own preceptorship/orientation? If so, how did you go about it and where? (I'm in Texas, renewing my RN license and having a hard time getting someone to preceptor me for the 80 hours the TX BON requires) Would love to get some advice. Thank you!!

I'm hoping someone will be able to suggest particular, specific facilities with an RN authorized and willing to supervise my 80 hours orientation/preceptorship here in Texas. I've completed the didactic course and only lack the 80 hours and CEUs in order to reactivate my RN license. The TX BON does not make suggestions as to where to go in order to do this. The refresher course I took was strictly didactic. Yes, I am on my own as to obtaining the preceptorship. Not a new student, not inexperienced, ready to get back to work. Thank you!

I completed a Kaplan course that did not feature a clinical, since the Texas Board assures that one may "enroll in an online refresher program for the didactic component." The Board's rules and FAQ's on the matter indicate that I may put it together this way, completing the 80 clinical hours in any setting that provides the appropriate learning opportunities, as overseen by an RN with "current knowledge and clinical expertise." True, it's more than a little worrisome to find myself having to scrounge around for that! The Board makes it sound so straightforward: "Individuals desiring to re-enter nursing should search for clinical learning experiences that will assist them to acquire the skills necessary to provide nursing care in a competent and safe manner." Since I have long experience and have not forgotten everything, any reasonable amount of clinical learning experience will suffice to put me into safe functionality. I am not so unrealistic as to expect a facility and individual RN to participate in my reactivation out of the goodness of their hearts and for free, but I had not really thought about paying them off out of pocket, either! In cover letters that I submit with my fairly substantial resumè, I am offering to perform the 80 clinical hours without pay, as the Board says that during the clinical learning experience "financial compensation is at the clinical learning site's discretion." A facility or agency hiring me could accept this nifty offer, or they might consider starting me on the payroll in order to get a capable and experienced nurse, if they need one, instead of paying me one of those sign-on bonuses they are always offering? There is a very substantial difference between me and a new grad. I will not present with inexperience and timidity and will require little in the way of hand-holding. In the event of being permanently employed, I will not twist off and go looking for exciting new opportunities after a short time, the way new grads do! Where the facility has one, I will contact the education department. However, the Board's information indicates it need not be a large acute care facility and I have been applying/proposing to LTC facilities, home health agencies, hospice outfits, etc. I appreciate advice and opinions, but was sort of hoping for word from RNs at facilities who wish to discuss actual possibilities for proceeding, as I am ready to set about service to patients and performing, as opposed to someone just asking some big favor!

I am seeking a preceptor/RN to sign me off on the clinical 80 hours here in Abilene, or somewhere close by. I am an experienced RN, not a new or graduating student. If anyone knows an RN willing to help me facilitate this I would be grateful. Thank you very much!

Did you ever find an RN preceptor in Texas? If so, how, and can you advise how to find one currently? I'm in the Abilene, TX area finishing up my return to nursing as an RN and need the 80 hours clinical. Please contact me with any information. Thank you!