Suggestions for getting a preceptor?

[BSNish]

I wanted to ask what other students have done to find clinical preceptors that doesn’t cost anything? With covid and all the uncertainty in the world, it has been tremendously challenging trying to find a preceptor. Anyone have any advice they can share?

[barcode120x, RN, NP]

I had always known my PCP precepted students, particularly ones from my exact school so she was the first one I contacted right after I got accepted into the program. Definitely doesn't hurt asking your PCP or maybe even friends or family members if they've noticed their PCP has students. Ask your faculty and adjunct faculty for your program if they precept or if they know of anyone that precepts. I was lucky to precept with one of the adjunct faculty members for a few months. Unfortunately, mid-year through the pandemic, like many other clinics, I lost my clinical site. The first place I started looking was at my hospital. I asked some of the attending physicians, one of which I am still with to this day. If you work in a hospital, definitely get in touch with the physicians. Many do primary care outside of the hospital. If you're cleared to start with OB and/or peds, I would imagine they would be more willing to be open to students than primary care.

Stay in contact with your clinical advisor and program director about clinic sites if you're having trouble. I would hope they assist you in any way in finding a site. Worst case scenario, you can pay for one. I would never pay anyone to be my preceptor, school is expensive as is.

I did recently recommend to a friend to hold off on applying/starting the FNP program because of the whole clinical situation with covid. That's another option if it's not too late.