What Should NP Students Do and NOT Do For Clinical Rotations

I am writing this because I have heard stories and complaints from so many preceptors nationwide about things students do or don’t do.  Now this is not all of you, of course!  But take a look at the What To Do and What Not To Do List to make sure you are not doing any of these things!  Please know that I LOVE OUR PROFESSION, and I want to help it in any way I can. 

Part of this involves helping to educate others about our roles and expectations. Preceptors, please do not give up on students!!!  Let’s just work together because someday they will be taking care of us!

​What to Do Before Your Clinical Rotation

• Not all schools find preceptors. If yours doesn’t, be aware of this ahead of time and realize it is very challenging. Some students have to pay a business like PreceptorLink to find preceptors. You may need to factor that into the finances.
  
  
• Sometimes, even a preceptor-matching business can’t find someone in certain locations. It’s that hard. If you're wondering why it's so difficult, this article explains more about the shortage of nurse practitioner preceptors.
  
  
• When searching for preceptors, be professional. Act as if it’s a job interview. Dress the part of a provider; Act the part.
  
  
• Know your school’s requirements ahead of time. That is your responsibility. Have it clearly in writing. Clarify what you don’t understand: Number of years experience; types of settings; types of preceptors…
  
  
• Always be polite and appreciative. Always. Your actions affect students after you.
  
  
• Find out ahead of time how you can be prepared for the rotation: Attire, resources to bring, nametag, resources to be familiar with, typical types of patients seen, and how to present a patient (if you can).
  
  
• Do not demand the preceptor change their schedule for you. Students need to be flexible to the preceptor’s schedule.
  
  
• Try to ascertain any times the preceptor will be gone and find a solution. Is there another potential preceptor you can follow for a period of time? (Schools are usually ok with a short substitution.) Hours you can add on other days?
  
  
• Do not be unkind, bossy, rude… to preceptor’s site/office staff. Really, this goes without saying, but…They are also affected by the time you are there. This is a gift from them to you. Please remember that.
  
  
• Paperwork is a huge burden to preceptors. Fill out as much of it as you can for preceptors. (PreceptorLink® does complete and send paperwork for students and preceptors.)
  
  
• Avoid multiple emails. Be organized when emailing and texting preceptors and the practice. Provide a clear list of what is needed in as few words (but polite) and emails as possible. Be mindful of the time you send texts and messages.
  
  
• Make sure you know the preceptor’s preferred method of contact: Email, text, phone…
  
  

Curious about what to expect on day one? Check out How to Prepare for Your First Day of NP Clinical Rotations for tips that can help you start strong.

What Not to Do Before Your Clinical Rotation

• Stay off your phone or computer unless you are doing something patient-related. No texting or chatting. Not appropriate. Save that for after hours.

• Do not interrupt your preceptor during patient visits unless it is urgent. Write your questions down and ask them afterward.

• Avoid making negative comments about the clinic, staff, or workflow, even in casual conversation.

• Do not check out early or disappear when things slow down. Stay engaged until your shift ends. (Unless your preceptor offers it explicitly. Don’t you bring it up.)

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• Always protect patient privacy. Do not discuss cases in public areas or share details outside the clinic. Always, always, always.

Professionalism During Clinical Rotations

• Some baked goods, bagels or ? can go a long way. Demonstrate your gratitude to the office.

• Ask what you can do for the office (especially if a preceptor is taking you without compensation). A handout on some patient ed or a checklist that would help patient flow. Don’t insult them. Ask if there is a little something you can do that would be helpful for the office. You want to find ways to give back to the office. You have gifts and talents—use them to help the practice. Maybe you are more tech-savvy or know the latest helpful apps?

• Everyone and everything is a learning opportunity—from the front office staff, to pharmacy, to nutrition, to back office, to radiology… Learn, learn, learn. Take it all in!

• Even if the preceptor is receiving a stipend from you, your school, or an agency, please know that it is not commensurate with the amount of time they will spend on you and away from life and work commitments. It's only a token of thanks! It would be cost-prohibitive to pay a preceptor for the real time they take on you. More than $10,000 according to studies.

• Sometimes, the site receives the honorarium instead of the preceptor when a stipend is involved. The site is also affected by the presence of a student, which creates liability responsibilities and reduces staff productivity. Please keep this in mind.

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• More than anything, a great attitude is the best payment to a preceptor. Even if you are not interested in a particular area that you have to do, take each rotation with excitement and enthusiasm. This is your preceptor’s lifeblood. Respect that. Fake interest if you have to! Every rotation is an opportunity to learn, even if it's not what you want to do after graduation.

Pro Tips for Standing Out in a Positive Way

• Keep a small notebook in your pocket. Jot down diagnoses, drug names, workflow notes—your preceptor will notice.
  
  
• At the end of the day, take a moment to thank your preceptor and/or staff personally. A little gratitude goes a long way.
  
  
• Always follow up on feedback. If your preceptor suggests something, apply it right away.

​Final Thoughts

Your clinical rotation is more than just a school requirement. It’s a foundational experience that will shape who you are as a provider. Bring gratitude, professionalism, and humility to every encounter. Respect your preceptor, appreciate the team around you, and make the most of every learning opportunity.

​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.