Psych NP Programs

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I am currently an FNP student with a school that shall remain anonymous. It's not that I am not happy with the teachers and educational materials the school is providing.... However, I am unhappy that they do not ensure student success by helping students who have difficulty finding preceptors. This is the problem I am having. I am getting all A's in classes but in life that isn't always what matters... It matters instead that I don't know any NPs who can precept me. Which means I will probably not be successful in the program. Anyway, I posted this because I am thinking of switching to psych NP concentration. I originally had an interest in psych NP but first wanted to do FNP. I know someone who may be able to help me get a preceptor for psych. I am thinking of the program at St. Francis in Joliet IL. Has anyone gone there and what did you think of the program? I know they accept around 10-20 students a year but does anyone know how many apply? I want to go into this program with eyes wide open. I don't want to be disappointed once again.

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Specializes in Psychiatric Nursing.

Do you really want to do psych? It is unfortunate your program won't help you find preceptors. Are others able to find them? How? Are there professional organizations that could help you? Can your preceptor be an MD?

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I can precept with an MD but have to find one. I have been told I can not precept with the MDs I work with. This wasn't a decision by the school but my workplace. It's a long story but basically I am a state employee and the MDs are contracted by a company for the state. The contract company said they would not precept a state employee. I do know an NP that was excited about precepting me but her company won't precept me because they don't have an agreement with my school. It is very frustrating because I have run into this problem a lot. I do have an interest in psych and took a job as a correctional nurse because of that reason. I was originally going to try for psych but an NP sugested I do FNP first because it widens your possibilities. I think most other student NPs in the same situation are able to find someone because they know someone who is willing and can precept them. Unfortunately, I am not that lucky.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

How about your states APRN organization? FB (I know there is a very large FB group that helps to match students with preceptors).

Moved to student NP forum.

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