Question-Online NP Clinicals

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Specializes in burn ICU, SICU, ER, Trauma Rapid Response.

I am considering one of several online NP programs. I strongly would prefer FNP. My question is for those who have completed or are in such a program. How are clinical arranged? What I do not want to do is have to head out on my own and find all my own clinical sites and preceptors. Adult and geriatrics would be no problem. Several NPs & MDs I work with have volunteered to precept me but they only see adults. How did you manage clinical for infants, peds and women's health? How much help was your school in finding clinicals?

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Specializes in Pediatrics/Emergency Medicine/NICU.

Contact Peds/Women's Health offices and let them know what you are doing. I would also contact the local NAPNAP (pediatric professional organization) and you can send out a blanket email explaining what you are doing. I am sure you will get some positive responses. I don't know what the professional women's health organization is for NP's, but you could contact them too. The health department would be a good place too. Sometimes, people are willing to do 1-2 days per week. If you can find a couple of people for that, you have it made! You should also ask the adult contacts you have if they have any peers that might be interested in helping you out. The school can guide you too. I personally liked finding my own sites/people/hours. That way, it stayed very flexible for me and what worked with my schedule. Good luck! :)

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Specializes in medical surgical.

I would rather find my own sites. I am not learning as much as I would like. Just my opinion.

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Specializes in Pediatrics/Emergency Medicine/NICU.

Yes, finding your own sites really isn't that hard, and it is soooo nice to do the hours and days that work for you!!!! The little bit of effort really pays off. Do you feel like you aren't learning much from clinical sites or from the classwork? I think the real learning is in the "hands on. " So, if you feel like things aren't "clicking" yet, they will. I honestly think it took me until just a little bit before my last semester before things started to feel more comfortable. And, it took a while on orientation even when I was first starting out to learn things. It is a totally different role and just takes time. I learn something new every time I am at work. That is what I love about being a provider. Let me know if you have any other questions. Keep up the great work! You will be done before you know it!!! :yeah:

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Specializes in CTICU.

Sounds like a good question to ask the programs you're interested in.

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