Worth their weight in gold: the role of clinical coordinator in a family nurse practitioner program.
OBJECTIVE
To identify key functions and responsibilities of the role of clinical coordinator in a family nurse practitioner (FNP) program.


METHODS
Recent articles, research, and interviews with other faculty serving as clinical coordinators in FNP programs at five other universities.


CONCLUSIONS
Clinical coordinators are extremely valuable members of the NP education team; they are worth their weight in gold. They support NP programs by assisting in the coordination of student-oriented placement and needs-based clinical activities, in the recruitment and retention of preceptors and clinical agencies, and in providing updated information related to various student resources.


CONCLUSIONS
It is important that this complex and valuable role be better understood and appreciated by university administrators and other faculty. Clinical coordination in a distance learning program can take up to three fourths release time for a faculty. The role of the clinical coordinator is diverse, not easily learned, and requires proficiency in academic advising, administration, and clinical supervision.
Sobralske
M
M
Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA, USA. sobralske@gem.gonzaga.edu
Naegele
L M
LM
D005194:Family Practice; D006801:Humans; D009722:Nurse Practitioners / Q000193:education*; D011231:Preceptorship / Q000458:organization & administration*; D014495:Universities / Q000458:organization & administration