Selection Criteria for FNP Clinical Preceptors

FNP students engage in clinical practice under the guidance of a qualified clinical preceptor. The preceptor-to-student ratio may not exceed 1:2, with the exception of NJ placements, which must adhere to the 1:1 ratio. NP students from other universities should be included in this ratio. The hours and journals will not be counted if the ratio is exceeded. If a preceptor or student anticipates that the ratio will be exceeded for a rotation, rotations should be paused, and the schedule should be adjusted to comply with the required ratio. Students are highly recommended to spend the majority of their clinical experience with Family Nurse Practitioner preceptors. At minimum students are expected to spend 135 hours with a Nurse Practitioner preceptor. Students should review FNP Site & Preceptor Guidance (Appendix J) to review requirement details and recommendations prior to selecting their preceptor and site for approval. It is recommended that students do not use more than three (3) preceptors within an eight (8) week course.

The clinical preceptor must be:

Formally educated for professional practice.
A preceptor is a board certified NP, MD or a DO who, while employed by a clinical facility, is assigned to directly supervise a student’s clinical education for the duration of a formal course designed to prepare registered nurses to transition to advanced practice nursing. Students may rotate with a CNM to fulfill women’s health hours.
Possess clinical expertise appropriate to accomplish the goals of the preceptorship and has at least one year of work experience at or above the level of licensure of the student’s program.
Possess US national board certification in an area appropriate to the education of a Family Nurse Practitioner student.
Clinical preceptors may be used to enhance faculty-directed clinical learning experiences, but not to replace faculty. A clinical preceptor shall be approved by program administration and:
Be actively involved in clinical practice.
Once the Office of Field Experience receives preceptor licensing, credentialing, CV/Resume and certification information, the documents are sent to the Program Director who reviews and provides final approval or denial of the preceptor. The approval process time varies between 4-16 weeks on average depending on the type of review and if it involves external site approvals/verification.
Preceptors may not be a spouse, domestic partner, or first degree relative of the student.
Preceptors may not be the students direct supervisor.
The assumption for any clinical placement is that the student will be able to communicate with the patient directly or via language line or a dedicated translator other than the preceptor.