How do I find a Clinical Preceptor?
Finding a preceptor for nurse practitioner school can be a crucial step in your education and training as a nurse practitioner. A preceptor is a licensed nurse practitioner or physician who supervises and guides your clinical training during your nurse practitioner program. Be sure to review the preceptor and site guidelines provided by your program. Here are some steps to help you find a preceptor:
Contact Your School: Reach out to the clinical coordinator or faculty advisor at your nurse practitioner school. They may have a list of approved preceptors or contacts within healthcare facilities that have partnered with the school before. They can also provide guidance on the process and requirements for securing a preceptor.
Utilize Networking: Tap into your personal and professional networks, including any nurse practitioners or physicians you know. Sometimes, a personal connection can lead to a preceptorship opportunity. You can also attend networking events, conferences, or workshops related to your specialty to meet potential preceptors. Find your local Nursing/NP chapter.
Online Resources: There are online platforms and databases that connect students with potential preceptors. Websites like MatchNP help students find vetted preceptors. It is quick, easy and the paperwork is seamless.
Clinical Sites and Hospitals: Contact local hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities in your area. Many educational institutions have partnerships with these sites and can facilitate the placement of students. Inquire about the possibility of doing your clinical rotations at their facility and ask if they can recommend a preceptor.
Professional Associations: Check with nursing organizations and associations related to your specialty, such as the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) or specialty-specific organizations. They may have resources or programs to help students find preceptors.
Cold Calling: If you haven't had any luck through other channels, consider calling or emailing nurse practitioners in your area directly. Explain your situation, the requirements of your program, and ask if they would be willing to serve as your preceptor.
Clinical Faculty at Your School: Sometimes, faculty members at your school may also be licensed nurse practitioners who can serve as preceptors. Discuss this possibility with your academic advisor.
Volunteering or Job Shadowing: Some students find preceptors by initially volunteering or shadowing at a healthcare facility. This can give you an opportunity to meet and build relationships with potential preceptors.
Leverage social media. Post in all “NP preceptor” Facebook groups such as “NP students: Mentorship & Preceptorship”. Consider using linkedIN to thoughtfully message providers in your area. Remember to include the rotation type, school, clinical dates (start and end), your resume, and a brief summary about your experience as an RN. Keep it short but make sure to include pertinent details.
Remember, securing a preceptor may take time and persistence, so start early 6 months to 1 year and be proactive in your search. Remember, looking too early (greater than 1 year out) may be at a disadvantage providers may switch jobs or clinical sites may decide to pause on accepting students. On the flip side of that, looking last minute can be very stressful and yield poor results. Good luck!
