11/23/2025
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DUreGfWRT/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Should Nurse Practitioner Students Be Required To Obtain Their Own Preceptors?
By Joe Flores JD MSN APRN FNP-BC CCRN-K
[email protected]
Introduction: As a lawyer who represents nurses I have seen the policy of requiring students to obtain their own preceptors become the rule rather than the exception.
Such policies are quite distinct from the medical model of how medical students obtain their clinical experiences. Often disparity between rural and urban learning opportunities is compounded by the majority of Universities charging premium tuition prices coupled with the student having to pay out of pocket for a preceptor in many instances to private third party for profit businesses that match preceptors.
Too often even if the nurse practitioner student does pay a third party entity the student is limited in choice of a preceptor , not given the preceptor’s name or credentials prior to payment and signing a contract and may mandate the student to travel hours for a clinical preceptor.
The litigation surrounding policies that require nurse practitioner (NP) students to obtain their own preceptors has emerged as a significant issue in the nursing education landscape. Here’s an overview of the key aspects of this topic:
Background on the Issue
- Rising Tensions: As NP programs have expanded, the demand for clinical placements has increased. Some universities have implemented policies requiring students to find their own preceptors as a way to address this demand and promote autonomy. Many NP students I have interviewed reasonably complain that their tuition should include preceptor opportunities for the student in a prearranged fashion.
Recently the Department of Education hase made a public statement that nurses and nurse practitioners do not fall under the category of “professionals” which may cap the ability for the NP student to obtain loans and other federal aid.
Concerns Raised:
Students and advocacy groups have raised concerns that such policies may violate principles of equity, access, and educational quality, potentially leading to disparities in training opportunities.
Legal Challenges
1. Discrimination Claims:
- Some litigation has focused on claims that requiring students to find their own preceptors disproportionately harms students from marginalized backgrounds or those without existing professional networks.
- Lawsuits may argue that these policies create barriers to education for individuals who may already face systemic inequities.
2. Breach of Contract:
- Students may allege that universities have breached their contractual obligations by not providing adequate support for securing clinical placements.
- Cases could arise if students believe that the university promised to facilitate preceptor placements as part of their educational program.
3. Negligence and Duty of Care:
- There are potential claims related to the university's duty to ensure that all students have equal access to quality educational experiences.
- If students are unable to secure placements due to university policies, they may argue that the institution is negligent in fulfilling its educational responsibilities.
Notable Cases
- While specific cases may not always be widely publicized, there have been instances where students have filed grievances and lawsuits against universities over preceptor placement issues. These cases often focus on the broader implications of educational access and equity.
Institutional Responses
1. Policy Revisions:
- In response to litigation or the threat of legal action, some universities have begun revising their policies to provide more support in securing preceptors, aiming to reduce legal liability and promote equitable access.
2. Creating Partnerships:
- Institutions may seek partnerships with healthcare organizations to establish a more robust network of available preceptors, thereby alleviating the burden on students. Many students believe this should be the rule not a bonus for their expenditure for tuition and education.
3. Enhanced Communication:
- Universities are increasingly communicating expectations clearly to students regarding preceptor requirements and the support available to them.
Advocacy and Recommendations
- Professional Organizations: Groups like the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) advocate for policies that facilitate equitable access to clinical placements and encourage schools to provide support for students in securing preceptors.
- Legislative Action: Advocacy for legislative measures that require educational institutions to ensure clinical placement availability may also be a pathway to address these concerns.
Conclusion
The litigation surrounding NP programs requiring students to find their own preceptors underscores significant issues related to equity, access, and the responsibilities of educational institutions. As this issue continues to evolve, it is likely to prompt further discussion and action within the nursing education community.
Questions or Feedback?
Email
[email protected]
361-887-8670
Reference List
1. American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). (2021). Position Statement on Nurse Practitioner Education and Clinical Experiences. Retrieved from [AANP website](https://www.aanp.org).
2. Billings, J. A., & Halstead, J. A. (2020). Teaching in Nursing: A Guide for Faculty. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
- This book discusses the role of preceptors in nursing education and the implications of policies requiring students to find their own preceptors.
3. Buchanan, R. J., & McNair, S. (2019). "Exploring the Impact of Preceptor Quality on Student Learning Outcomes in Nurse Practitioner Programs." Journal of Nursing Education, 58(6), 340-347.
- This study examines how the quality of preceptors affects NP students' educational outcomes.
4. Kutz, K., & Adams, A. ( 2022). "Equity in Clinical Placements: The Need for Support in Nurse Practitioner Education." Nursing Outlook. 70(5), 852-860.
- This article addresses the challenges faced by NP students in securing preceptors, particularly those from underserved backgrounds.
5. Laven, G. H., & Wilkinson, D. (2018). "The Challenges of Securing Clinical Placements for Nurse Practitioner Students: A Systematic Review." Journal of Clinical Nursing, 27(23-24), 4500-4510.
- A systematic review that discusses the barriers NP students face in finding preceptors and implications for nursing education.
6. Mendez, C., & Kearney, M. H. (2021). "Student Perspectives on Finding Preceptors: A Qualitative Study." Nurse Educator, 46(2), 66-70.
- This qualitative study explores NP students' experiences and challenges when required to find their own preceptors.
7. National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF). (2020). Nurse Practitioner Core Competencies Content. Retrieved from [NONPF website](https://www.nonpf.org).
- This document outlines core competencies for NP education, including the importance of clinical placements.
8. Patel, R., & Smith, L. (2023). "Legal Considerations in Nurse Practitioner Education: The Case for Institutional Support in Preceptor Placement." Nursing Law Review, 28(1), 25-40.
- This article discusses potential legal implications of policies requiring NP students to secure their own preceptors.
9. Sullivan, M. J., & McCullough, A. (2022). "The Autonomy Dilemma: Balancing Independence and Support in Nurse Practitioner Education." Journal of Professional Nursing, 38(3), 180-187.
- This paper reviews the debate on student autonomy in finding preceptors versus the need for institutional support.
10. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). (2021). The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health. Retrieved from [HHS website](https://www.hhs.gov).
- A report that discusses the future of nursing education, including the role of clinical placements.
Aanp Certification Program
Texas Nurses
Flores Law Firm
Licensed Vocational Nurses Association of Texas
Nurse Practitioner CME Cruises
Neighborhood Nurse
Just for Novice Nurses
New Mexico Nurse Practitioner Council
Houston Area Nurse Practitioners
The Elite Nurse Practitioner
Coastal Bend Apn
American Academy of Nurse Entrepreneurs
Family Nurse Practitioner -FNP
American Association of Nurse Practitioners
National Nurse Practitioner Symposium
