Lessons learned: Developing FNPs for rural and underserved areas
Carmen Wycoff
Clarke University, USA
: J Nurs Patient Care
Abstract
Preceptors are keys to developing student clinical skills and knowledge base for advanced practice. However, the market for clinical placements is becoming increasingly competitive. Preceptors are pressed to see more patients and be more productive. The time constraints of private practice make it difficult for preceptors to give back by hosting clinical students in this fast-paced environment. Faced with the challenge of finding clinical placements for students, Clarke University developed the Preceptor Consortium. The Clarke University Preceptor Consortium is an innovative model that leverages our collective knowledge, technology and tools for educating and preparing doctoral students who will practice in rural and underserved areas, while improving the delivery of evidence-based clinical care in a complex healthcare environment. The model is envisioned as a three-way interconnecting partnership of faculty, preceptors and students working with rural and underserved populations. Through this partnership, preceptors, in collaboration with faculty, help students to provide evidence-based clinical care in a complex healthcare environment. Clarke University launched an extensive project to develop online resources for preceptors; we conducted a needs assessment regarding preceptor preparation to precept and the resources they have available for the task. Quantitative and qualitative data analysis informed the development of the online content. The Preceptor Consortium provides educational resources and support for clinical preceptors who provide valuable teaching to DNP students. This presentation will review the objectives for the provision of rural and underserved healthcare compared to the realities of practice in this arena. Discussion will focus on the development of preceptor networks in this environment to further the education of new Family Nurse Practitioner Students. Required resources, barriers to success and lessons learned will be shared.
Biography
