The Struggle for Preceptors

[smileyfacefee]

Hello fellow NP students! I am posting this because I am attending an online school that does not provide preceptors and I am so frustrated with it! I have lost 2 preceptors already and haven't even started my first clinical rotation. I have talked to other students in the same situation. I now have to go through trying to contact doc offices at the last minute because I didn't have a plan c. Anyone else enduring this frustrating process? I am regretting the fact that I chose a school like this!

[TherapeuticRN]

Hello,

There is a new company which developed out of the same frustrations, felt by a fellow nurse. ClinicalMatchMe. Maybe they can help. Google it!

Best Wishes!!

[BostonFNP, APRN]

Ask your program for help please don't rely on third party pay to play services.

[lhflanurseNP, APRN]

Schools utilize various "reporting" systems for clinicals and have providers in the "system"...you may want to contact your clinical advisor to see if you can search the database for your area. When I started, my first preceptor died, my second retired, and my third developed cancer! Had to start all over. This occurred with my first 3 clinical rotations.

[ElizeK]

Hello, Just wanted to know how its coming along with Walden. I am applying for the AGNP and wanted to hear from someone how its going. I have an ASN and will do the ASN to NP.

[umbdude, MSN, APRN]

Hello, Just wanted to know how its coming along with Walden. I am applying for the AGNP and wanted to hear from someone how its going. I have an ASN and will do the ASN to NP.

I don't think OP was specifically talking about Walden. If you do a search using the search bar, you will find quite a bit of information on Walden.

[friendlylark]

This is my biggest worry about starting NP school with Chamberlain!!! Right now I am a travel RN in California ... and I have no idea how I will figure out getting a clinical preceptor!!!

[BostonFNP, APRN]

This is my biggest worry about starting NP school with Chamberlain!!! Right now I am a travel RN in California ... and I have no idea how I will figure out getting a clinical preceptor!!!

Then hit pause and wait for a bit; this is a big investment, don't pt yourself in a bad position starting out.

[smileyfacefee]

The program has been going ok. I actually had to sit out this semester because I couldn't find another preceptor so short of notice. I am still having a tough time finding a precept or and am looking into other options. Now that the medical school in my area started their NP programs...the area is pretty much locked with them. I encourage if you can to find a program that provides them if you can and prevent this headache.

[alyssamarie223]

I have my ADN and I'm deciding between Bradley University or Walden University for their ADN - MSN FNP Program. I see you picked Walden and I would really really appreciate talking to you about their program if you have time!

[ElizeK]

2 minutes ago, alyssamarie223 said:

I have my ADN and I'm deciding between Bradley University or Walden University for their ADN - MSN FNP Program. I see you picked Walden and I would really really appreciate talking to you about their program if you have time!

I actually love Walden and compared to other programs it fits work life balance! You have to be motivated to "self-teach" as the real support comes when you start practicums. It's shorter than Bradley as well. ONLY ISSUE IS YOU HAVE TO FIND YOUR OWN PRECEPTORS AND ONLY OJE PRACTICUM AT A TIME!! Other than that your typical discussion boards and papers depending on the course midterm and finals. I personally started from an ADN to MSN AGNP track and would personally recommended it!

[alyssamarie223]

ElizeK, I would love to be able to pick your brain about the program if you don't mind. I think I'm freaking myself out about the negative comments I've seen but hearing that you're liking it is really encouraging. When did you start the program? Are you taking two classes at a time?