How Precepting NP Students Can Improve Your Clinical Skills

12/21/2024

Have you ever thought about becoming a preceptor for NP students? If you haven’t, I’m here to tell you why it’s one of the most rewarding experiences you can have—and not just for the students. Precepting can help you grow as a Nurse Practitioner, keep your skills sharp, and even reignite your passion for the profession. I’ve seen it firsthand, and I’d love to share why this role might be perfect for you.

Reinforcing and Updating Your Knowledge

One thing I always say about precepting is this: you learn just as much as you teach. When you’re guiding students, you’re naturally revisiting foundational concepts. It’s amazing how often students ask questions that make you pause and think, "Hmm, when was the last time I double-checked that guideline?" Before you know it, you’re reviewing the latest evidence-based practices and brushing up on skills that can get a little rusty over time. I hear this all the time from our preceptors!
I remember a student asking me about a particular medication’s new dosage guidelines—and sure enough, I had to look it up. Then, I gave her tips on how to use your resources when you are actually with the patient and not look incompetent! Moments like these keep you sharp and ensure your practice stays up to date with current standards.

Strengthening Critical Thinking

When you precept, you can’t just do something—you have to explain why you’re doing it. Breaking down your clinical decisions and thought processes helps both you and the student. I love watching the lightbulb moments when a student suddenly gets it—and honestly, it helps me think more critically, too.
Sometimes, a student’s fresh perspective will even make me question my own habits. Maybe they learned about a new approach or diagnostic tool in school that I haven’t explored yet. These opportunities to teach and learn at the same time are priceless.

Improving Communication Skills

Teaching forces you to become a better communicator. Whether it’s explaining a diagnosis or walking a student through a treatment plan, you’re learning to articulate your knowledge clearly. Over time, this spills over into patient care, too. The better I explain something to a student, the better I can explain it to a patient who might be scared or confused.
I’ve also learned to adapt my teaching style to fit each student’s needs. Some need more guidance, while others are ready to dive right in. Adjusting how I communicate helps me connect better with both students and patients—a win-win.

Keeping Your Passion Alive

I know how easy it can be to feel a little burned out after years of clinical practice. The day-to-day can start to feel routine. That’s where precepting comes in. Students bring such energy and excitement into the clinic. Their curiosity reminds me of why I fell in love with this profession in the first place.
Some of my favorite moments as a preceptor have been seeing students develop their confidence. Watching them go from nervous and unsure to competent and capable is so rewarding. It reminds me that I’m making a real impact—and that’s powerful.

Honing Time Management and Leadership Skills

Precepting challenges you to juggle patient care and teaching, and let me tell you, it’s a skill! You learn quickly how to manage your time, prioritize tasks, and delegate responsibilities. These are leadership qualities that every NP can benefit from, especially if you have goals to advance into supervisory roles.
Plus, giving constructive feedback is an art. You learn to encourage students while helping them grow, and that skill translates to working with other healthcare professionals, too.

Professional Growth and Connections

Another thing I love about precepting is how it connects me with other educators, academic programs, and professionals. I’ve had opportunities to attend conferences, meet fellow preceptors, and even explore teaching roles because of the relationships I’ve built through the precepting world. You can also get CEs on precepting, so don’t forget that!

It’s also a great way to enhance your reputation as a leader in the NP community. It’s a compliment to be asked to precept! Whether you realize it or not, you’re setting an example and contributing to the growth of the next generation of Nurse Practitioners. That’s something to be proud of.

Final Thoughts

Precepting NP students isn’t just about giving back—it’s about growing as a professional. You’ll find yourself reinforcing your clinical knowledge, sharpening your critical thinking, and improving your communication and leadership skills. Plus, you’ll be reminded of why you became an NP in the first place.
If you’re on the fence about precepting, I encourage you to give it a try. I promise it’s a mutually rewarding experience that will make you a better clinician and a more fulfilled Nurse Practitioner.

About the Author

Lynn McComas is the CEO and founder of PreceptorLink and a recognized expert in precepting nurse practitioners and advanced practice provider students. With over two decades in primary care, Lynn has served as a coach, advisor, mentor, and preceptor for countless healthcare professionals, including NPs, nurses, and medical assistants. She co-founded a successful skills and procedures business and speaks nationwide on NP-related issues.

Lynn is also a regular contributor on LinkedIn, KevinMD, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram @preceptorlink, X @LynnMcComas, and her blog, where she addresses the growing NP and PA professions and the urgent need for preceptor sites. Her unique perspective, shaped by her business, clinical, and educational experiences, positions her as a key voice in tackling preceptor shortages. Lynn is committed to driving change—through a paradigm shift in NP education, reducing barriers, offering preceptor incentives, and advocating for reforms within the profession.

0 Comments

How to Prepare for Your First Day of NP Clinical Rotations

12/13/2024

0 Comments

Congratulations on starting your NP clinical rotations! As a DNP and advanced practice nurse who has worked extensively with NP students, I understand the mix of emotions you may be feeling—excitement, nerves, and the pressure to make a great first impression. Over the years, I’ve guided many students through this critical phase of their education, and I’ve seen firsthand how preparation and the right mindset can set you up for success.

Drawing from my experiences as both a clinician and preceptor, I’ve put together some practical tips and insights to help you feel confident and ready to make the most of your first day.

1. Embrace the Opportunity: The Right Mindset Matters

First things first—it’s okay to feel nervous. Almost every NP student feels a mix of excitement and anxiety before their first clinical day. What helped me was reframing those nerves as motivation. Remind yourself: you’re here to learn, not to know everything right away. This is your opportunity to grow into the provider you aspire to be.

One thing I tell my students is, “Come with an open mind and a willingness to learn.” Mistakes are part of the process, and preceptors don’t expect you to be perfect. We do, however, appreciate students who are curious, engaged, and eager to improve.

2. Practical Preparation: What to Bring

Being prepared with the right tools will not only help you feel more confident but also demonstrate your professionalism. Here’s a checklist to get you started:

Stethoscope: A good-quality stethoscope is a must-have for any NP student. (Even if you’re a PMHNP student, I think I’d have one in your bag.)
Notepad and Pen: Taking notes is essential during clinicals. Write down key points, patient cases, or advice from your preceptor.
Reference Materials: Whether it’s a pocket guide, an app like Epocrates, or UpToDate, having resources at your fingertips can be a lifesaver.
Professional Attire: Check the dress code ahead of time. Generally, business casual with a clean white coat is a safe bet. Comfortable shoes are also a must.
Snacks and Water: Clinical days can be long, so having a small snack and staying hydrated is important.

Being well-prepared signals to your preceptor that you take this experience seriously.

3. Make a Strong First Impression

Your first day is as much about observing and learning as it is about setting the tone for your clinical rotation. Here’s how to make a great impression:

Arrive Early: Plan to arrive 15-20 minutes early. This gives you time to settle in and reduces stress from potential delays.
Introduce Yourself: Greet your preceptor and the staff with a smile and a firm handshake. A simple introduction like, “Hi, I’m [Your Name], the NP student joining you for clinicals,” goes a long way.
Be Respectful and Courteous: Treat everyone, from the receptionist to the medical assistants, with respect. Building rapport with the entire team is crucial.

One of my former students stood out because she took the initiative to introduce herself to everyone on the team, showing genuine interest in their roles. That’s the kind of attitude that leaves a lasting impression.

4. Be Proactive: How to Interact with Your Preceptor

Your preceptor is there to guide you, but the more proactive you are, the more you’ll learn. Here are some tips:

Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask when something isn’t clear. Preceptors appreciate curiosity and a willingness to learn.
Communicate Your Goals: At the start of the rotation, share what you hope to achieve. For example, “I’d like to work on improving my patient interview skills.”
Offer to Help: Volunteer to assist with tasks, whether it’s documenting a patient’s history or looking up a guideline. It shows initiative and eagerness.

Remember, the preceptor-student relationship is a partnership. The more effort you put in, the more rewarding the experience will be.

5. Set the Tone for Success

The first day often sets the tone for the rest of your rotation. Here are a few additional tips to help you start on the right foot:

Be Organized: Keep track of your patient cases, notes, and learning points in a dedicated notebook or digital tool.
Be Honest: If you don’t know something, admit it. Preceptors prefer students who are honest about their knowledge gaps rather than guessing.
Seek Feedback: At the end of the day, ask your preceptor for feedback. A simple, “Is there anything I could improve on?” shows maturity and a willingness to grow.

6. Stay Positive: Confidence is Key

Finally, remember to be kind to yourself. You’re not expected to know everything on day one. Focus on learning, stay humble, and trust the process. Confidence comes with time and practice.
One piece of advice I often share with students is to celebrate small wins. Maybe you successfully completed a patient interview or learned a new clinical skill—those moments matter and add up over time.

Final Thoughts

Your first day of NP clinical rotations is the beginning of an incredible journey. By preparing ahead, maintaining a positive mindset, and being proactive, you’ll set yourself up for success. Remember, this is a learning experience, and every step you take brings you closer to becoming the confident, skilled nurse practitioner you aim to be.

You’ve got this. And trust me, your future self will thank you for the effort you’re putting in today.
If you're ready to find the right preceptor to support your journey, PreceptorLink is here to help. Our platform connects NP students with experienced preceptors dedicated to helping you succeed. Contact PreceptorLink today to learn more and take the next step in your clinical education.

About the Author

Lynn McComas is the CEO and founder of PreceptorLink and a recognized expert in precepting nurse practitioners and advanced practice provider students. With over two decades in primary care, Lynn has served as a coach, advisor, mentor, and preceptor for countless healthcare professionals, including NPs, nurses, and medical assistants. She co-founded a successful skills and procedures business and speaks nationwide on NP-related issues.

Lynn is also a regular contributor on LinkedIn, KevinMD, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram @preceptorlink, X @LynnMcComas, and her blog, where she addresses the growing NP and PA professions and the urgent need for preceptor sites. Her unique perspective, shaped by her business, clinical, and educational experiences, positions her as a key voice in tackling preceptor shortages. Lynn is committed to driving change—through a paradigm shift in NP education, reducing barriers, offering preceptor incentives, and advocating for reforms within the profession.

0 Comments

The Challenge of Finding A Preceptor Your School Will Approve

12/5/2024

0 Comments

At PreceptorLink®, we see firsthand the challenges that NP students face when trying to find the right preceptor. A recurring issue we’ve noticed is that students often don’t know their school’s specific requirements. This can result in the dreaded word: DENIED! Argh! You can’t believe it!! But unbelievably, it turns out that you found a preceptor who doesn’t meet your program’s requirements! It’s an incredibly frustrating situation, especially after all the challenges of finding a willing preceptor and completing the required paperwork, only to find out that your school won't approve it. We’re here to try to help you get the right submission the first time! Yes, ultimately, it’s the student’s responsibility to know the requirements for each course, and your school will be the first to tell you when they mark your request as denied! If only they made it easier to see whether the preceptor you finally found will be approved! Let’s see if we can help with that!

With nearly 500 NP programs across the country, each with different requirements, we simply can’t track every school’s specifics. Requirements vary widely from one program to another and even from one course to the next within the same program. That’s why it’s essential for students to be well-informed about the precise guidelines that their programs have set. Knowing these details upfront can save you time, reduce stress, and get you that “Approved” notification! Yeah!

Know Your School’s Requirements for Each Course

Before you start searching for a preceptor, check your program’s clinical manual and review the requirements for each specific course. Schools often outline detailed criteria that your preceptor and clinical site must meet. We recommend going through each of these requirements carefully. Some programs even have requirements around the types of patients you must see, the services provided at the clinical site, and whether or not the preceptor needs to be board-certified. These details matter and can make the difference between an approved and a denied preceptorship.

Here’s a guide to the most common requirements we see schools impose. Use this to help you double-check that you’re on the right track. I recommend you review it for each course so you get it right the first time:

Types of Patients: What kinds of patients are you required to see? Are there specific age groups or patient types that must be included in your hours? On the flip side, are there patient types that are explicitly excluded? Knowing these details will help ensure that your preceptor’s practice aligns with what’s needed.
Types of Services: Verify the services that must be provided at your site. For example, if your program requires a focus on family medicine, working with a specialist alone might not be sufficient. Confirm that the services match your course’s learning objectives.
Preceptor Qualifications: Schools vary widely in terms of which preceptors they’ll accept. Some programs require board-certified MDs or DOs, while others are open to non-board-certified physicians. (Read my prior blog, which talks about why physicians don’t re-board certify.) NPs generally are board-certified, so that is not usually an issue. (However, oddly, BC is not required in CA and NY!) If your focus is in a specific area like psychiatric care, some schools may require a PMHNP (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner) or a therapist, while others may not. Clarify these requirements to avoid surprises down the road.
Site Requirements: What type of clinical setting does your program allow? Some schools limit preceptorships to specific types of sites, such as private practices, hospitals, “inpatient,” or community clinics. Others have broader criteria. Double-check this information to ensure your site qualifies.
Non-Acceptable Preceptors and Sites: Many schools list specific preceptor types and sites that are not acceptable. This list often includes certain types of NPs, PAs, non-board-certified MDs, and some therapist roles. Having clarity on these restrictions can prevent a lot of unnecessary back-and-forth and denials.
Required Hours and Patient Encounters: Understand how many clinical hours you need for each rotation and if there are minimums for specific patient encounters. For example, you may need a total of 160 hours, but within those hours, at least 80 encounters may need to be with pediatric patients. It’s also important to know if you need to see patients across age ranges, such as pediatrics, adolescents, adults, and older adults, to meet all age-specific requirements.
Patients per Hour: Some programs require a minimum patient flow or specific number of patients seen per hour. Verify this to make sure your preceptor’s practice can support these requirements.
NP Preceptor Requirements: Some programs have requirements on the number of preceptors who must be NPs. Check with your school to see if this applies.
Exact Dates for Rotation and Submission Deadlines: Confirm the dates for your rotation and note the submission deadline for preceptor information. Missing this deadline can delay your clinical placement and affect your timeline for program completion.
Paperwork for School Submission: Gather all paperwork required by your school, including proof of liability insurance, immunization records, and any additional documentation. Completing this in advance can help avoid last-minute issues.
Location for Rotation: Sometimes, you can do your rotation in another location or virtually. Confirm if your school allows the location. This varies from school to school. You might be able to drive to a different state or stay with a relative, but your school may not allot that state. Are you allowed to do the rotation virtually? Confirm for this particular rotation.
Complete Preceptor and Site Information: Before you submit your preceptor details, make sure you have all the required information:
- Legal name of the preceptor and site
- Preceptor’s title and credentials (e.g., FNP-BC, MD)
- Work email address for reliable communication
- Contact phone numbers (work and, if possible, personal)
- The authorized person for signing legal agreements. This is often an office administrator or practice manager. If the preceptor owns the practice, it can usually be the preceptor.
- Business name and address, ensuring it’s searchable online for verification purposes

Taking the time to review each of these areas and clarifying any uncertainties with your program will help ensure your clinical placement is approved without delays or setbacks. At PreceptorLink®, we’re dedicated to supporting NP students in finding qualified preceptors who align with their career goals and program requirements. Sometimes, it feels like an impossible task to read through and understand everything! However, it really is mandatory to understand your school requirements. If you are not sure, clarify things in writing with your school. (Trust me on this!)

Please let me know if this information has been helpful or what advice or questions you might have. I wish you the best of luck in your journey. Feel free to reach out if you need assistance or further guidance.

Lynn McComas is the CEO and founder of PreceptorLink and a recognized expert in precepting nurse practitioners and advanced practice provider students. With over two decades in primary care, Lynn has served as a coach, advisor, mentor, and preceptor for countless healthcare professionals, including NPs, nurses, and medical assistants. She co-founded a successful skills and procedures business and speaks nationwide on NP-related issues.

Lynn is also a regular contributor on LinkedIn, KevinMD, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram @preceptorlink, X @LynnMcComas, and her blog, where she addresses the growing NP and PA professions and the urgent need for preceptor sites. Her unique perspective, shaped by her business, clinical, and educational experiences, positions her as a key voice in tackling preceptor shortages. Lynn is committed to driving change—through a paradigm shift in NP education, reducing barriers, offering preceptor incentives, and advocating for reforms within the profession.

For easy reference, use the checklist below to help you confirm you’ve met all necessary requirements before submitting your preceptor information.

Let us know if you have any questions or need further guidance! At PreceptorLink®, we’re always here to help you navigate this crucial stage of your NP education.

Comprehensive Preceptor & Site Selection Checklist for NP Students

Step 1: Preliminary Review

Read Your Program Manual Thoroughly: Familiarize yourself with your school’s clinical requirements to avoid missed details.
Identify Requirements for Each Course: Understand each rotation’s specific requirements to ensure the preceptor and site align with them.

Step 2: Preceptor & Site Requirements

Patient Type Requirements:
- Determine required age groups (e.g., pediatrics, adolescents, adults, older adults).
- Note any patient types that are excluded.
Service Types Provided by Site:
- Confirm the site provides the types of services required by your program (e.g., family medicine, psychiatric care).
Acceptable Preceptor Choices:
- Verify if the preceptor can be a non-board-certified MD/DO, depending on school policy.
- For psychiatric rotations, confirm if a PMHNP or therapist is acceptable based on program guidelines.
Site Acceptability:
- Determine which site types are allowed (e.g., private practices, hospitals).
- Note prohibited site types (as specified in your manual).
Non-Acceptable Preceptors: Ensure your preceptor does not fall under any of the following excluded roles unless explicitly allowed:
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (PMHCNS)
- Physician Assistant (PA)
- Non-board-certified MDs and DOs
- Therapists without additional NP certification
Location of Preceptors/Site: Ensure your school allows that state and/or virtual rotation for that particular rotation.

Step 3: Clinical Hour Requirements

Total Clinical Hours Required: Confirm hours needed for each rotation (e.g., 160 hours).
Patient Encounters: Note if specific patient encounters are required within those hours (e.g., 80 pediatric encounters within 160 hours).
Age Group Encounter Requirements: Check if there’s a minimum number of encounters with specific age groups
Rotation Duration Requirement: Confirm the minimum number of weeks (e.g., 8 weeks) for a varied and comprehensive learning experience. Some schools allow you to compact all hours into a smaller block. Others require it to be spread out over the whole rotation.

Step 4: Preceptor Availability & Deadlines

Rotation Dates: Confirm exact start and end dates with your preceptor to align with your school’s schedule.
Preceptor Information Submission Deadline: Be aware of the exact date by which preceptor details must be submitted to your program.
Student Paperwork Submission Requirements: Complete and submit required student documents (e.g., liability insurance, immunization records, etc.) in advance to avoid delays.

Step 5: Collect All Required Preceptor & Site Information

Legal Name of Preceptor: Confirm the correct legal name of your preceptor.
Preceptor’s Title & Credentials: Record preceptor’s full title (e.g., FNP-BC, MD) and relevant credentials.
Preceptor’s Work Email: Obtain their work email, as it’s often more reliable for communication.
Phone Numbers: Collect both work and personal phone numbers for emergency contact.
Authorized Contact for Legal Agreements: Identify the correct person (e.g., administrator or practice owner) who can sign legal agreements for the site.
Business Information:
- Ensure the business name and address are accurate and match online listings.
- Double-check that the business address is searchable online, as schools may verify this information.

Step 6: Verify Requirements for Patient Flow

Patients Per Hour: Confirm if there’s a required patient flow or specific number of patients per hour that the site should meet.

Step 7: Verify Preceptor Credentials by School’s Standard

Number of Required NP Preceptors: Some schools require a certain percentage of your preceptors to be NPs. Confirm this if applicable to your program.

Final Verification & Submission

Double-Check All Information: Before submitting, confirm that all details match school requirements and that preceptor/site information is accurate.
Understand the Approval Process Timeline: Ask your program about how long the approval process will take to prepare in advance.

0 Comments

Lynn's NP Blog: blogging about and by nurse practitioners

How Precepting NP Students Can Improve Your Clinical Skills

How to Prepare for Your First Day of NP Clinical Rotations

The Challenge of Finding A Preceptor Your School Will Approve

About Lynn:

Archives

Categories

​Lynn's NP Blog: blogging about and by nurse practitioners

How Precepting NP Students Can Improve Your Clinical Skills

How to Prepare for Your First Day of NP Clinical Rotations

The Challenge of Finding A Preceptor Your School Will Approve

About Lynn:

Archives

Categories

Lynn's NP Blog: blogging about and by nurse practitioners