About Rural California Nursing Preceptorship Program

	The Rural California Nursing Preceptorship (RCNP) Program is designed to give student nurses and graduate nurses an opportunity to gain clinical experience in a rural or semi-rural setting. The opportunities are varied and encompass a large geographic area in Northern California. The placement period lasts a minimum of four weeks (150 hours). During this time, students work one-on-one with a preceptor, engaging in as much independent nursing practice as their skills permit. Applications and subsequent placements are made on a first-come, first-served basis.

	Frequently Asked Questions
		How do I apply?
		How much will it cost?
		How does the placement process work?
		How long is the preceptorship?
		When does the preceptorship begin?
		Who will be my preceptor?
		Who provides advising and supervision?
		Does RCNP provide housing?
		Can RNs participate?
		Can new graduates participate?
		Is academic credit available for students?

	How do I apply? Placements are available during summer and winter session. The application period for summer participation opens in January and the winter application period opens in August. The program is very popular and placements are limited. Fifty percent of placements are reserved for current CSU, Chico, Butte College and Shasta College students. The remaining slots are filled with students from other colleges and universities, RN refresher students and RN graduates. How much does it cost? All applications are subject to a $100 application fee. In addition, there will be a $900 course fee. How does the placement process work? All clinical placements are made in the Northern California area. RCNP Map. The RCNP Coordinator is dedicated to providing the student with the best clinical experience available in the specialty area the student desires. How long is the preceptorship? The placement period lasts a minimum of four weeks. Each participant will complete 150 clinical hours. When does the preceptorship begin? Winter placements begin right after Christmas. In summer, students have more options for start dates. The placement start date can begin as early as late May, and as late as mid July. Who will be my preceptor? Preceptors are selected, based on their availability and their willingness to work individually with a student. The RCNP Program Coordinator works with a group of preceptors who enjoy teaching in a style that combines monitored independence for students with appropriate clinical supervision. Who provides advising and supervision? The RCNP Program coordinator is available for advising any time during the application and placement period. During the placement period the coordinator will make every attempt to visit the student "on site." During the preceptorship, the preceptor is the student's immediate supervisor. Does RCNP provide housing? Locating housing is a service that the RCNP Program provides for students who need housing in their placement area. Our housing providers are community members who are willing to open their homes to students. Students are charged approximately $350 for a 4-week stay. Can RNs participate? RNs can participate as long as they have a current license. We advise you to speak with the RCNP program coordinator regarding your specific area of interest and background. Can New Pre-licensure Graduates Participate? New graduates are eligible to participate as long as they have an Interim Permit. Is Academic Credit Available for Students? Academic credit is not offered for participation in the RCNP program.

	Map About RCNP Contact Us Available Sites jhowell@csuchico.edu June 2013