Well.. Here goes a long shot

[SaraStrong]

Hello lovely RNs, APRNs, CRNAs.. Whoever is out there. I'm writing on a much discussed topic: finding a preceptor for a distance NP program in which the school bears none of the responsibility of helping find one for you. :)

I began my search months ago because I wanted to nail down a preceptor for this coming January - July (2017) because I have heard horror stories about students unable to find preceptors and not graduating on time. I contacted a resident I used to work with as a bedside RN who is now a fellow, who said he would be happy to precept me. When it came time to sign the contract between my school and the clinical site and preceptor.. Surprise! He can't be my preceptor because he is a fellow, I.e. Still in training and technically not even working under his own license.

So, I will be contacting whoever I possibly can in the coming weeks to try to line something else up. Any NPs in Connecticut dying to have someone to mentor??... Or any general suggestions on how to go about this?

Any advice is much appreciated.

[Dragonfly2014]

Hello Sara,

I would suggest emailing APRNs from your local and state NP website/group. Calls never really worked for me, instead I showed up with my resume to clinics or asked to speak with the administrator. There were times where getting past the front office was my major challenge. Network and find out where other students are getting their hours. For the most part, my program allowed for MDs to be preceptors, 75% of my clinical experience was with MDs. It was harder to find NP preceptors and they often said no. Good Luck!

[nursebay]

There is a preceptor group on face book. join. Its very resouceful

[SaraStrong]

Thank you both!