Finding clinical rotations for nurse practitioner students is one of the toughest parts of the journey. At Preceptor Tree, we’ve spent years reaching out to clinics—calling, emailing, dropping by—and navigating the quiet maybes, the hard no’s, and the rare but beautiful yes.
After all that trial and error, here are five things I’ve learned about securing FNP preceptors that no one really tells you.
1. Preceptors Expect to Be Paid
Most preceptors today expect some form of compensation for their time and teaching. And who can blame them? They’re busy providers with packed schedules and a lot on their plates. Compensation shows respect for their effort and increases your odds of hearing back. If you’re not offering anything, it’s much harder to get in the door. And FNP Preceptors are raising their rates!
2. Don’t Call Around Lunchtime
From 12 to 2 PM, clinics are in survival mode. Providers are out, staff are overwhelmed, and no one has time for unexpected calls. If you want to actually talk to someone, aim for mid-morning or late afternoon—those quiet stretches between rushes. It’s a small thing that makes a big difference.
3. Clinic Staff Are Focused on Patients—Not You
The person who answers the phone is usually juggling appointments, insurance, and a busy front desk. Your call about a student placement is often a surprise. Even though they hear from NP students often, it still feels out of left field. Be polite, direct, and clear: who you are, what you’re looking for, when the rotation would start, and yes—mention that you’re offering an honorarium. Don’t leave them guessing.
4. Follow-Up Is Everything
Very few clinics say yes on the first try. I follow up. Then I follow up again. Sometimes I send a short intro video so they can put a face to the name. Most of the time, it’s that second or third message that gets a response. It’s not being pushy—it’s being persistent in a respectful way.
5. A “No” Is a Gift
I used to wait and hope after hearing “maybe” or “let me check.” But now, I move on. A “no” gives clarity. A “maybe” can waste days or weeks. The faster you move through the no’s, the sooner you find the yes. And trust me, you will find it.
Working with FNP preceptors takes patience, communication, and a thick skin. But once you get the rhythm down, it becomes a lot less overwhelming. If you’re a student trying to figure this out on your own, or a school looking for support—we’re here to help, and other places like Clerkship America are, too.
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Chloe is a Recruitment Coordinator for Preceptor Tree, a service that connects NP students with clinical preceptors nationwide. She’s had doors slammed, phones hung up, and a lot of yeses too.
