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Guidance and mentorship play a crucial role in the education and professional development of nursing students. Nurse practitioner preceptors are experienced nurses who help shape the next generation of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). Understanding how to find a nurse practitioner preceptor can be challenging for students, but finding the right fit with a mentor can be beneficial.

Through completing an advanced degree such as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and capitalizing on the advice of preceptors in their clinical practicums, students can prepare for the challenges of senior nursing roles and compete for coveted positions with confidence.

What Is a Nurse Practitioner Preceptor?

Clinical rotation is a key part of nursing students’ education, where they gain supervised experience working directly with patients. Students who are training to become nurse practitioners need nurse practitioner preceptors, who are experienced nurse practitioners themselves, to oversee the process. Acting as mentors and providing guidance, they help nurses transition from the academic environment to clinical practice and from Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) careers to advanced practice and senior roles. Preceptors’ duties and responsibilities include the following:

• Providing support and resources to students entering clinical practice

• Cultivating a positive learning environment by answering questions and providing guidance

• Supervising student nurses in the care and treatment of patients

• Assisting clinical instructors in nursing student training

• Evaluating students’ progress and providing mentorship

• Acting as role models and demonstrating safe nursing practice

Identifying how to find a nurse practitioner preceptor can be important. With preceptors playing such an active role in training different types of nurses, finding one who’s a good match can directly impact a student’s future.

Why Are Nurse Practitioner Preceptors Important?

Career advancement and progression through different levels of nursing is a time-intensive process. For nurse practitioner preceptors, the nurses they mentor have already completed entry-level training (typically a BSN), are licensed as registered nurses (RNs), and have often accumulated considerable workplace experience prior to pursuing a postgraduate degree. To these experienced nurses, preceptors act as a resource to assist in their advanced training and to protect patients’ health and safety.

The advanced roles and specialties that nurse practitioners with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) assume can involve high-risk procedures, prescribing medications, and managing life-threatening medical conditions. Preceptors work with students and instructors to help ensure that graduates are ready to take on increased responsibilities and successfully integrate into senior roles.

How to Connect With a Preceptor

Nurse practitioner preceptors can be challenging to find. Acting as a preceptor is a significant responsibility, and taking on students is an important choice for the preceptors themselves. Depending on a student’s level of nursing, specialization, and location, a larger pool of preceptors may be available.

Often, the most effective methods of finding a nurse practitioner preceptor involve planning and networking. The following are some ways to find a preceptor:

• Reaching Out to Existing Connections: Students’ social and professional networks can be key resources. They may already know a senior nurse or instructor who might agree to act as a preceptor, or someone within their network can offer to refer them to one.

• Capitalizing on Online Resources: Many cities have professional organizations or directories that nursing students can turn to. Whether drawing from social media or the advice of other nurse practitioners online, the internet can be a great way for student nurses to connect with preceptors.

• Attending Events and Proactively Reaching Out: Networking events, conferences, alumni gatherings, and personalized outreach can be impactful. Large numbers of students approach some preceptors. By personalizing their outreach and demonstrating that their goals align with the preceptors’ specialties and skills, nurses can demonstrate that they can provide value in the relationship.

• Taking Advantage of School Resources: Many nursing programs have directories, guidance resources, and alumni groups that students can turn to in their search for a preceptor. Some schools may also be affiliated with specific hospitals or organizations, providing additional methods of outreach.

There’s no one-size-fits-all method to how to find a nurse practitioner preceptor. With professionalism, persistence, and a proactive attitude, nursing students can connect with preceptors who are the right fit for their interests.

Prepare for the Challenges of a Career in Nursing With a Doctor of Nursing Practice

Preceptors help the next generation of nurse practitioners gain the practical, real-world knowledge and skills they need to succeed. For nursing students, knowing how to find a nurse practitioner preceptor who understands their goals can make all the difference.

Through a combination of mentorship and a postgraduate degree, such as the online Family Nurse Practitioner, Doctor of Nursing Practice (FNP, DNP) from The University of Tulsa, nursing students can build the foundation to advance their careers. This program balances fully online coursework and in-person practicum hours and is designed to meet the needs of modern nursing students.

Find out how you can make a difference as a nurse practitioner with an advanced degree.

Recommended Readings

Chief Nursing Officer vs. Director of Nursing

How an MSN Can Increase Autonomy in Nursing

Project Management in Nursing: Best Practices for Leaders

Sources:

American Association of Colleges of Nursing, Clinical Preceptor Guide

American Association of Nurse Practitioners, Find a Nurse Practitioner

Critical Care Nurse, “The Preceptor Shortage: Seeking Solutions”

Indeed, What Is a Nurse Preceptor? (And How to Become One)

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners