Sorry, you need to enable JavaScript to visit this website.
Skip to main content
Chamberlain University, College of Nursing and Health Professionals
Menu

Mobile Main navigation

  • About
    • Accreditation
    • Alumni
    • Blog
    • Chamberlain Care
    • Diversity & Inclusion
    • History
    • Newsroom
    • Online Education
    • Our Vision
    • Student Consumer Information
  • Academics
    • College of Nursing
      • 3-Year Bachelor of Science in Nursing
      • RN to BSN Option
      • RN to MSN Option
      • Certificate Programs
      • Master of Science in Nursing
      • MSN - Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
      • MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner
      • MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
      • Doctor of Nursing Practice
    • College of Health Professions
      • Public Health Certificate Programs
      • Master of Physician Assistant Studies
      • Master of Public Health
      • Master of Social Work
    • Academic Resources
      • Academic Calendar
      • College Catalog
      • Curriculum Plans
  • Campus & Online
    • Campus
    • AZ - Phoenix
    • CA - Irwindale
    • CA - Sacramento
    • FL - Jacksonville
    • FL - Miramar
    • GA - Atlanta
    • IL - Addison
    • IL - Chicago
    • IL - Tinley Park
    • IN - Indianapolis
    • LA - New Orleans
    • MI - Troy
    • MO - St. Louis
    • NV - Las Vegas
    • NJ - North Brunswick
    • NC - Charlotte
    • OH - Cleveland
    • OH - Columbus
    • TX - Houston
    • TX - Irving
    • TX - Pearland
    • TX - San Antonio
    • VA - Tysons Corner
    • BSN Online Option
    • Post-Licensure & Graduate
      • RN to BSN Option
      • RN to MSN Option
      • Master of Science in Nursing
      • MSN - Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
      • MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner
      • Doctor of Nursing Practice
      • Master of Physician Assistant Studies
      • Master of Public Health
      • Master of Social Work
  • Admission & Financial Aid
    • Admission
      • Transfer Guide
      • Catalog
      • Academic Calendar
      • Military Information
    • Financial Aid
      • Tuition & Expenses
      • Types of Financial Assistance
      • Financial Forms
      • Educational Healthcare Partners
      • Loans
      • Work Study
      • Grants
      • Scholarships

Mobile Secondary Navigation

  • Apply
  • Request More Info
  • Request More Info
  • Call
  • Apply
  • Request Info
  • Request Info

Mobile Utility Navigation

  • Current Students
  • Prospective Students
  • Transfers
  • Military
  • Alumni
  • Partners
  • Employers

Top Utility Navigation

  • Current Students
  • Information For
    • Current Students
    • Prospective Students
    • Transfers
    • Military
    • Alumni
    • Partners
    • Employers
  • Chat
  • 877.751.5783
Chamberlain University, College of Nursing and Health Professionals

Main Header navigation

  • About

    About

    Chamberlain University has a 130-year history preparing extraordinary nursing graduates and healthcare professionals. 

    • Accreditation
    • Alumni
    • Blog
    • Chamberlain Care
    • Diversity & Inclusion
    • History
    • Newsroom
    • Online Education
    • Our Vision
    • Student Consumer Information
  • Academics

    Academics

    Whether you're an aspiring nurse looking to launch a rewarding career, a nursing professional looking to advance your career, or a professional looking to impact public health, Chamberlain offers the degree programs, options and resources to help you succeed.

    • College of Nursing
      • 3-Year Bachelor of Science in Nursing
      • RN to BSN Option
      • RN to MSN Option
      • Certificate Programs
      • Master of Science in Nursing
      • MSN - Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
      • MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner
      • MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
      • Doctor of Nursing Practice
    • College of Health Professions
      • Public Health Certificate Programs
      • Master of Physician Assistant Studies
      • Master of Public Health
      • Master of Social Work
    • Academic Resources
      • Academic Calendar
      • College Catalog
      • Curriculum Plans
  • Campus & Online

    On Campus & Online

    Interested in becoming a nurse?
    Earn your BSN at one of 23 campuses located across the country, in just 3 years

    • Campus
    • AZ - Phoenix
    • CA - Irwindale
    • CA - Sacramento
    • FL - Jacksonville
    • FL - Miramar
    • GA - Atlanta
    • IL - Addison
    • IL - Chicago
    • IL - Tinley Park
    • IN - Indianapolis
    • LA - New Orleans
    • MI - Troy
    • MO - St. Louis
    • NV - Las Vegas
    • NJ - North Brunswick
    • NC - Charlotte
    • OH - Cleveland
    • OH - Columbus
    • TX - Houston
    • TX - Irving
    • TX - Pearland
    • TX - San Antonio
    • VA - Tysons Corner
    • BSN Online Option Clinical in select states
    • Post-Licensure & Graduate
      • RN to BSN Option
      • RN to MSN Option
      • Master of Science in Nursing
      • MSN - Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
      • MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner
      • Doctor of Nursing Practice
      • Master of Physician Assistant Studies
      • Master of Public Health
      • Master of Social Work
  • Admission & Financial Aid

    Admission & Financial Aid

    Chamberlain is committed to providing quality and accessible healthcare and nursing education. Our team is with you every step of the way, providing the information you need to make the decisions that best serve you.

    • Admission
      • Transfer Guide
      • Catalog
      • Academic Calendar
      • Military Information
    • Financial Aid
      • Tuition & Expenses
      • Types of Financial Assistance
      • Financial Forms
      • Educational Healthcare Partners
      • Loans
      • Work Study
      • Grants
      • Scholarships

Secondary Header Navigation

  • Apply
  • Request More Info
  • Request More Info
  • Call
  • Apply
  • Request Info
  • Request Info

Featured

Image of Chamberlain Care Awards graphic
Drumroll, Please: Meet the Chamberlain…
Chamberlain Care Awards picture
Recognizing Chamberlain Alumni’s…
chamberlain conversations with Karen Cox, president of chamberlain university
Chamberlain Conversations – Why Our…

Tags

Browse articles by category
Alumni
Campus News
Careers
Health Professions
Nursing Today
Tips for Students

Share

Blog Social Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Email
  • LinkedIn
  • Home / Blog / Nursing Today / FNP Graduates Share 4 Tips for Practicum

FNP Graduates Share 4 Tips for Practicum

October 25, 2018 by Meg Tokars
fnp practicum

All Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) specialty track students complete a practicum, but not everyone knows what to expect.

You might feel excitement, anticipation and a slew of other emotions prior to starting, but rest assured others have walked this path before you and have cultivated some wisdom in the process.

From finding the right preceptor, to helpful app recommendations, these FNP graduates share some tips that helped them find success throughout the experience.

1. Network, Network, Network!

When it comes to securing a practicum site, it’s essential to work every angle – friends, your current employer, Chamberlain graduates in your network, and even your own healthcare provider.

“I spoke to anyone who I thought may know someone who was a potential preceptor,” said Kelly. “I also went online and looked up family practices and pediatricians and left a packet I created with their front desk. I looked for small practices.”

“My preceptor was my nurse practitioner,” said graduate Michelle Janssen. “As soon as she found out I was going back to school she told me she wanted me to work with her.”

Beyond your personal network, a targeted search and proactive follow-up can get you where you need to be.

Graduate Christina Checrallah said persistence was the key to her success.

“I secured my practicum location by doing research and calling until I found several options that would take FNP students,” she said. “I was persistent and didn’t wait for a call back. I would call to follow up myself.”

Read More: 8 Graduates Share Advice on How to Find a FNP Practicum Site

2. Be Proactive to Get the Most Out of the Experience

When looking for a practicum site, it’s important to consider the experience the preceptor will be able to provide.

“My preceptor had an education degree, which made it seem like she loved having students and was dedicated to teaching,” Michelle said. “She was willing to share not only her success but also her hardships. She was very open and that helps new FNPs.

Jessica agreed. “It was important for me to find someone that likes to teach and is willing to educate on the ‘WHY’ of what they do.”

Once on site, raise your hand and lean into every opportunity for learning. Graduate Bridget Haynes found that taking an active role in her learning – from asking questions to proactively requesting feedback -- helped her grow the most.

“My best advice is to really focus on mastering assessments at first and be sure to ask your preceptor to reassess if there is a finding that is unusual or questionable,” Haynes said. “Often, issues do not present in the classic style and it really helps to build one’s knowledge base. Also, when presenting a case to the preceptor, especially in the first practicum, ask if there is anything you missed or should have considered in making a diagnosis.”

3. Come Prepared and Stay Organized

Throughout the practicum experience, you will want to document your experiences in a journal or log. List the competencies you gained formally or informally through the practicum. And, it’s essential to stay organized says graduate Jessica Ward.

“Be prepared and organized. Use a planner, download the FP Notebook and Epocrates® apps,” she said. “Ask about the top conditions seen in the practice and know them well. Also obtain the Bright Futures Pocket Guide for use when seeing pediatric patients.”

4. Stick to the Basics

It may go without saying, but the same rules apply for your practicum as with any other job in the healthcare setting.

“Show up on time, ask questions and don’t pretend to know things you don’t,” she said. “Your preceptor can help you advance your career by being a resource, mentor and reference so you want to be professional and make a good impression.”

And most importantly: “Study, study, study! Practicum was actually very fun and it’s where I learned the most!”

Interested in learning more about the MSN – FNP track? Get started here!

By Meg Tokars

More from Nursing Today

View all >
nursing student discounts and deals
Nurses Week Deals & Discounts for 2022
Read more
woman on computer
RN to BSN Cost: How to Find The Best RN to BSN Tuition Rate
Read more
chamberlain nursing student in scrubs
Chamberlain Student Macartie St. Louis: Small Steps, Heroic…
Read more
portraits of notable Black nurses
A Celebration of 14 Famous Black Nurses in History
Read more
Show more >

Request More Information

To receive the Chamberlain University Program Guide, including associated career paths, please select a program of study.

Footer Social Media Navigation

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube
  • Pinterest

Secondary Footer Navigation

  • Apply
  • Request More Info
  • Request More Info
  • Call
  • Apply
  • Request Info
  • Request Info
Chamberlain University, College of Nursing and Health Professionals
Chamberlain University

Main Campus
Addison Campus
1221 North Swift Road
Addison, IL 60101 

National Management Offices
500 W. Monroe St, Suite 28
Chicago, IL 60661

Footer Menu Mobile Column 1

  • Current Students
  • Student Consumer Info
  • Alumni Association
  • Partners
  • Transfers
  • Military
  • Academic Catalog & Viewbook
  • CA BPPE Information

Footer Menu Column 1

  • Campus Locations
  • Online Programs
  • Master of Physician Assistant Studies
  • Alumni Association
  • Chamberlain Marketplace
  • Military
  • Leadership
  • Catalog & Viewbook

Footer Menu Column 2

  • Student Portal
  • Student Consumer Info
  • Accreditation
  • Parent Organization
  • CA Performance Fact Sheets
  • CA BPPE Annual Report
  • CA BPPE Website

Footer Menu Column 3

  • Careers
  • Privacy Policy
  • Online Cookie Policy
  • Sitemap
  • Terms of Use
  • Contact Us
  • Accessibility
  • Student Disability Services
  • † Chamberlain University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post graduate APRN certificate programs at Chamberlain University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, (https://www.aacnnursing.org/CCNE). The Chamberlain University Doctor of Nursing Practice (delivered via distance education) is accredited by the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA) located at 2600 Virginia Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20037 (202-909-2526). Chamberlain University’s Master of Public Health Program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health, www.ceph.org. For the most updated accreditation information, visit chamberlain.edu/accreditation.

    To report unresolved complaints to the Illinois Board of Higher Education visit their webpage at https://complaints.ibhe.org/ or by mail to 1 N. Old State Capitol Plaza, Suite 333, Springfield, IL 62701-1377. View Chamberlain's complaint process.

    Chamberlain University confers online degrees from its Main Campus in Addison, IL.

    Chamberlain University is a member of Adtalem Global Education, Inc. www.adtalem.com
    ©2022 Chamberlain University LLC. All rights reserved.