How to find your own NP preceptors

np nurse

The Challenge of Finding a Nurse Practitioner Preceptor: A Student’s Guide

Finding a nurse practitioner preceptor is one of the most challenging aspects of NP education. Imagine being asked to find your own teacher for a crucial course – that’s exactly what NP students face when searching for a preceptor to complete their required 500-700 clinical hours.

Why Is Finding a Nurse Practitioner Preceptor So Difficult?

The process of securing a preceptor isn’t as simple as walking into a healthcare facility and making a request. Many NP students are surprised to discover that finding a preceptor can actually delay their graduation. Let’s explore why this happens and what you can do about it.

Common Barriers to Securing a Preceptor

  • Limited preceptor networks within graduate programs
  • Competition between healthcare programs for clinical sites
  • Time-intensive search process for students
  • Lack of direct compensation for preceptors
  • Limited use of electronic matching platforms

Did you know that 40% of NP students handle most or all of the work in finding their own preceptors? This statistic highlights just how common this challenge is in NP education.

How to Find a Nurse Practitioner Preceptor: Practical Solutions

Start Early

The moment you begin your MSN program, you should:

  • Review your clinical hour requirements
  • Understand the different settings needed
  • Know your required patient population exposure
  • Begin networking for potential preceptorship opportunities

Leverage Your Network

  • Connect with APRNs and physicians at your current workplace
  • Reach out to previous employers and colleagues
  • Build relationships with local healthcare organizations
  • Contact your school about existing preceptor partnerships

Plan Ahead

Remember that securing a preceptorship can take several semesters. Being proactive is key to meeting your clinical requirements on time.

Tips for Success

  1. Don’t rely solely on your school to find placements
  2. Start your search well before your clinical rotations begin
  3. Maintain professional connections throughout your program
  4. Consider reaching out to local clinics and organizations
  5. Communicate with your school about existing contracts

Final Thoughts

While finding a nurse practitioner preceptor can be challenging, understanding these barriers and planning ahead can help you succeed. Remember, the difficulty in finding a preceptor isn’t a reflection of your capabilities – it’s a systemic challenge that many NP students face.

Keep your focus on the end goal of becoming a board-certified NP, and approach your preceptor search with patience and persistence. The effort you put into finding the right preceptor will contribute to your growth as a future nurse practitioner.

1McInnis, A., Schlemmer, T., & Chapman, B. (2021). The significance of the NP preceptorship shortage. The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing. https://doi.org/10.3912/OJIN.Vol26No01Man05

2Doherty, C., Fogg, L., Bigley, M., Todd, B., & O’Sullivan, L. (2020). Nurse practitioner student clinical placement processes: A national survey of nurse practitioner programs. Nursing Outlook. doi: 10.1016/j.outlook.2019.07.005

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