Convincing Your Boss to Let You Precept NP Students: A Therapist's Toolkit

Med management is not the only component of the Psych Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) student’s education. Learning how to develop a therapeutic relationship with patients is also a vital part of their education. And who better to help teach this to a PMHNP student than a seasoned clinical therapist? A quality therapist can contribute to a well-rounded clinical experience for PMHNP students. However, finding a therapy preceptor for a PMHNP student can be incredibly challenging. 
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I do frequently hear from therapists who want to precept Nurse Practitioner (NP) students, but administrative hurdles can stand in the way. Many times, Administrators don’t understand some of the benefits of allowing a therapist to precept a PMHNP student. So, what you can say to your boss or Administration to showcase the benefits of precepting and encourage them to say yes? And what can a PMHNP student say to a therapist to help convince him or her to precept them? (Share this article with a potential therapist!) Here are some ideas:

Collaboration and Improved Care:

• Precepting isn't just about teaching – it fosters collaboration. Working with a student NP allows us to develop a strong foundation for communication and create more seamless care plans for our patients.  This interaction is not merely a teaching moment; it's a two-way street of learning and professional growth.

Building a Pipeline of Potential Hires:

• The demand for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) is undeniable. Many therapy practices are interested in hiring a PMHNP to help manage patient care. Precepting NP students allows us to 'test the waters' with potential PMHNP future hires. It’s a practical approach to talent acquisition, providing a firsthand assessment of a student's skills, work ethic, and fit within our team before making long-term employment decisions. It's like a built-in recruitment process!

​Investing in the Future:

• There's a growing need for mental health professionals. By precepting a student, we are directly contributing to shaping the next generation of providers who will serve our community effectively.

Utilizing Your Expertise:

• Achieving my supervisory role was no small feat—it reflects dedication, expertise, and a deep commitment to the field of mental health.  Precepting would allow me to utilize those skills, providing valuable feedback and guidance while ensuring the student adheres to best practices. It would allow me, a seasoned therapist, to not only share my knowledge but also to affirm my role as an educator and leader within the clinical community.

Mutual Learning and Growth:

• These students often have impressive experience. Many come to the program as seasoned FNPs or experienced RNs. While I teach them about mental health, they might offer fresh perspectives and insights that can enrich my own practice from a medical perspective. 

Things you can say that may help reduce barriers to precepting:

Show Initiative and Be Flexible:

• I already have potential students who are interested. I'm happy to handle the initial paperwork and logistics. I can even pre-screen students to help ensure they are a good fit for our practice and patients. (PreceptorLink® can help with all of that!!)

​Highlight Your Enthusiasm:

• Mentoring the next generation is incredibly rewarding. I'm passionate about mental health and believe my experience can have a real impact on these students, which can then be passed on to our patients and the community.
• This opportunity allows me to stay current on the latest trends and best practices in mental health care, benefiting both myself and our patients.

​By framing precepting as an investment in the practice, the future of mental healthcare, and your professional development, you can convince your boss to give it the green light. Remember, your enthusiasm for precepting will be contagious.

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 finding solutions to the preceptor shortage. 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