 As a seasoned Nurse Practitioner (NP), I understand the vital role collaboration plays in mental healthcare. Therapist involvement in the education of Psych Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) students is a prime example of such collaboration.
Many PMHNP programs require students to complete therapy rotations in addition to rotations that focus more on medication management. These programs actively seek “therapy preceptors.” These are licensed, masters-prepared, or higher therapists who act as preceptors—essentially, short-term mentors—for their students. Just as you, the therapist, once relied on a supervisor clinician, these students require guidance into the world of psychotherapy in their program. Here's why partnering with a PMHNP student as a therapist is a mutually beneficial experience:
It's crucial to remember that PMHNP students are not observing therapy sessions to learn how to become therapists themselves. Their focus is on understanding the therapist's role in the patient's overall care plan. This may involve observing in-person or virtual sessions, learning how therapists develop rapport, conduct assessments, and collaborate with PMHNPs on treatment approaches. By partnering with a PMHNP student, you're not only contributing to their education but also fostering a collaborative healthcare environment that ultimately benefits the patients you both serve. Consider becoming a psych NP preceptor or a nurse practitioner student preceptor today. About the Author: Lynn McComas, DNP, ANP-C, is an experienced nurse practitioner and an expert on the topic of precepting. Determined to make a difference in “the Preceptor Problem,” Lynn went on to obtain her Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) at the esteemed Duke University, where she focused on solutions to this problem. She is the owner and founder of PreceptorLink®. The company’s goal is to simplify and streamline the process of preceptor matching while maintaining quality and professionalism throughout. www.PreceptorLink.com
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 Why is PreceptorLink® the best preceptor-matching company?
It’s The “PreceptorLink® difference.” - Experienced, nurse practitioner-led team - Fast placement- most within 1-3 days - Unmatched expertise - Extensive preceptor network - Proven success rate - Dedicated support. We complete paperwork for students and preceptors - Quality - Our goal is to provide quality clinical education Lynn McComas, DNP, ANP-C, is the founder and owner of PreceptorLink®, is dedicated to students and preceptors, and is actively involved in the business. She is a seasoned NP who knows and cares about the profession...because this is her profession! She is actively working with nursing organizing bodies, schools and faculty, and decision-makers in the profession. Her doctoral studies at Duke focused on finding solutions to the preceptor problem for NPs. She continued her studies with a focus on business through the Goldman Sachs Small Business program. As an NP-entrepreneur, Lynn understands the business and clinical sides of this issue. The PreceptorLink®️ team are your experts in preceptor matching for APRNs and NPs. PreceptorLink® has been matching NP preceptors since 2014, so we have the experience, connections, and know-how to get the job done. We are here for the long haul because we want to work toward positive change in the profession. Contact PreceptorLink today!  So, you've set your sights on becoming an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP), and now you need to make the important school choice. Good for you for looking at your options. It’s a very important question. Here’s your critical next step: Picking the right program/school. Let's face it. There are hundreds of options out there, and it can feel like wandering through a clinical labyrinth. But fear not fellow future NP colleges! I'm here to equip you with the map and compass you need to make an informed decision.
First things first: Consider your "must-haves." What learning format suits your lifestyle? Do you crave the camaraderie of on-campus classes, or does online flexibility better fit your busy schedule? Does the program offer your preferred specialty, like cardiology or neurology? Remember, this is an investment in your future, so choose a program that aligns with your aspirations and learning style. Here are some key areas to investigate: Clinical Placements: This is where the rubber meets the road. ACNP programs must provide supervised clinical placements in actual acute care settings, not just clinics or outpatient facilities. Remember, you're training to manage critically ill patients in fast-paced environments. Dig deeper:
Faculty Credentials and Support: Your professors play a crucial role in shaping your ACNP expertise. Make sure they hold current clinical practice experience and possess relevant specializations. A faculty deeply ingrained in the acute care world can offer invaluable guidance and share real-world scenarios. And make sure you will have access to faculty. Support services, such as academic advising, tutoring, and career counseling, are essential components of a supportive educational environment. Curriculum: The curriculum should serve as a detailed map, guiding students beyond theory to the practical skills necessary for the acute care setting. A well-rounded curriculum encompasses pathophys, pharm, and health assessment, and it integrates specialized courses focusing on acute and critical care management. Personally, I love programs that include in-person hands-on actually held at the educational institution. These are often referred to as OSCEs, which stands for “Objective Structured Clinical Examination.” OSCEs may require a trip to your university, but it's a great way to practice and demonstrate your clinical skills in a standardized, safe, clinical scenario. Embrace and welcome this opportunity! Accreditation: This might seem obvious, but accreditation by a recognized organization like the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) ensures your program meets rigorous quality standards. Don't settle for anything less – your future career and patient safety depend on it. Financial Aid and Scholarship Opportunities: Let's be honest, these programs aren't cheap. Explore financial aid options, scholarships, and loan programs offered by the institution and external organizations. If you are in the military, check out how that might benefit you. Remember, investing in your education is investing in your future earning potential. Beyond the checklist: Consider the program's culture and values. Do they resonate with your own? Look for a supportive environment that fosters collaboration, critical thinking, and a commitment to evidence-based practice. Don't underestimate the power of feeling comfortable and valued during your educational journey. Outcomes: A Measure of Success Finally, program outcomes, such as graduation rates, board certification pass rates through ACCN, and employment statistics, offer a lens through which to gauge the program’s effectiveness. High pass rates and strong employment outcomes can indicate a program’s success in preparing students for the real-world demands of the acute care setting. A message from our preceptors: At PreceptorLink®, we help place Acute Care NP students every day. One complaint we regularly hear from ACNP preceptors is that Acute Care Nurse Practitioner students do much better if they have experience in an acute care setting like an ICU or critical care unit. They report that the students who really struggle are the ones who don’t have this background. While not every school requires ICU experience as entry criteria, our preceptors strongly advise at least 2+ years in a true critical care ICU setting. This will also help you know whether this is your passion! Good advice all the way around. Remember, choosing your ACNP program is a personal decision. Take your time, research thoroughly, and ask all the questions. Trust your gut and choose wisely, and you'll find the program that prepares you to excel in the dynamic world of acute care. Now go forth, conquer that educational maze, and emerge a confident, compassionate ACNP ready to make a real difference in the lives of critically ill patients! Also, as a fellow NP, I understand the excitement and challenges you face. Feel free to reach out if you have any further questions--I'm here to support you every step of the way! About the Author: Lynn McComas, DNP, ANP-C, is an experienced nurse practitioner and an expert on the topic of precepting. She has held many leadership positions in nurse practitioner organizations. It was while attending her local CANP chapter meetings that she frequently witnessed students begging for preceptors, and she thought, “If we paid preceptors, I’ll bet more would be willing!” That is how the concept of PreceptorLink® was born. Determined to make a difference in “the Preceptor Problem, Lynn went on to obtain her Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) at the esteemed Duke University. At Duke, every assignment, including her final Capstone, was on finding solutions to the preceptor problem. Her final project was the development of “The Preceptor Playbook: A Checklist and Templates for Precepting Nurse Practitioner Students.” Lynn has presented and done poster presentations at AANP and other conferences on the subject of precepting and finding Solutions to the Preceptor Problem for NPs. By Lynn McComas, DNP, ANP-C  NP and APRN students, did you know that you can use a Compact State License (CSL) to help you find a preceptor? A compact nursing state refers to the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC). Basically, it allows license reciprocity for RNs and LPNs to practice in other compact states. For NP, APRN, and RN students, this can open up options for other states where they can do clinicals. You do have to apply to get a CSL in most states, although some states do it automatically, so check with your state’s Board of Nursing (BON) for specific requirements. Check out the NLC website to see the most recent map. Here is a picture of the most recent Compact State Licenses, effective March 25, 2024. 
So, if you are an NP student, check it out. Maybe it’s the perfect time to stay with a friend, a relative, or even an Airbnb just so you can get that clinical rotation done! We’re sorry it’s so hard for students, but this may open up another channel for you to find a preceptor. Keep on learning, everyone!
The PreceptorLink® Difference At PreceptorLink®, with nearly a decade of experience in preceptor matching, we go beyond simply connecting you with preceptors. We believe in QUALITY. For our NP profession to continue to have positive outcomes, we must ensure quality education. Our goal is to match quality students with quality preceptors to develop quality clinicians. Our founder, Lynn McComas, DNP, ANP-C, has leveraged her extensive experience and contacts as an NP to create our business, educate our team, and design our tech-enabled match-making App. We want to not only connect students with qualified preceptors but also equip them to make the most of this crucial learning phase. We also quant to provide education to help support preceptors. If you need a preceptor, want to become a preceptor, or have a burning question about the nurse practitioner profession, we’re here to help! Lynn and The PreceptorLink® team are experts in the area of precepting and the NP profession. Check out our App, review our How It Works page, or reach out to us at 888-418-6620. www.PreceptorLink.com By Lynn McComas, DNP, ANP-C |
About Lynn:As a longtime NP with a desire to help and make positive changes to her beloved profession, Lynn often writes opinion pieces about the NP profession. Archives
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