USA ACNP online student in Austin needs advice!!!!

[lemonhead76]

Hello all! I really need some advice about getting my clinicals done in Austin, TX. I am a 3rd semester ACNP student at University of South Alabama online program. I am having a hard time finding clinical preceptors for various specialties. I am also having a hard time getting certain large clinical facilities to agree to let me come do clinicals there even though I have an internal med MD willing to precept me. Has anyone had a similar experince with USA and the Austin area? I need some advice on how to get through this. My school has not been very helpful in this process. I am a good nurse in an ER at a small hospital here. Does anyone have suggestions on good preceptors for opthalmology, gynecology, pulmonology, nephrology, neurology, and cardiology? I am willing to drive to Temple Scott and White as well- if there are good and willing preceptors there. Thank you for any input.

Very Stressed Out,

Lemon Head:sniff:

[Nursing girl28]

Hi Lemonhead76,

I am in my second semester at University of South Alabama in the Psychiatric nurse practitioner program. I too live in Austin TX and looking for preceptors in Austin TX. Were you able to find preceptors? I know that it has been so long ago. I start clinical in August 2016 so want to start early to look for preceptors. Any advice will be appreciated.

Thanks.

[Courtney Nurse Writer, BSN]

This is exactly why I don't think I want to go into NP school!!!! I'm im Austin and have asked a few people and do not get any responses from people. Crazy! Have you checked out this site:

The Professional Network for Nurse Practitioners | ENP Network

[Nursing girl28]

Hi ccakes,

Well I think that not going to NP school is your decision alone. For the past week, I joined groups as a student member, asked people for NPs that they can recommend as preceptors. The groups I have joined are Texas Nurses Practitioners as a first year NP student which is free for a year and I am sending emails to psychiatric nps. I have also joined other groups such Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurses Association (PAPNA) via ENP network and Austin Advanced Nurse Practice group. I have attended a meeting and the goal is to learn as much as possible from experienced professionals while networking to find preceptors. I also intend to continue attending meetings with groups even after graduating God willing. I have found out that the goal is networking which is what a couple of people on this forum have advised. Find out what you want to do either to become an NP or something else and still go for it. It doesn't mean that I am not scared that I may not find preceptors, not graduate due to one thing or another but by God, am going to give it my all! Even if it's with tears, whining and a glass of wine here and there!! lol!!!

[Courtney Nurse Writer, BSN]

Wow sounds like your really honing in on those networking skills! I'm going to pass this on to a fellow nurse who is going to Texas state right now who is also having trouble finding a preceptor. I haven't decided if I will completely cross out NP school... Just meaning it has made me fearful about spending all this money only to not find a preceptor. Oh the horror stories Ive heard. It sounds like you have a great head on your shoulders and will be very successful. Good luck!

[Nursing girl28]

Thanks! I don't now if it will work out but I just have to try especially after paying all that money!! lol!!! Funny enough I spoke to a friend of mine last night who's at Texas state and she complained that her preceptors had to cancel at the last minute. Tell your friend to join groups on facebook that are related to his/her specialty as well as other nurse practitioner groups and ask for preceptors. Someone also told me to go to clinics, facilities with a copy of my resume and cover letter, ask for the name of the office manager and get their name and details to follow up with them. Will start that soon. Good luck in whatever you do decide to do!