ABSTRACT
With a growing population, there is an increasing need for nurse practitioners to improve access to health care. There is currently a shortage of nurse practitioner (NP) preceptors across Massachusetts, making clinical placements difficult and at times unachievable. The lack of NP preceptors has a direct impact on student outcomes, educational programs, and ultimately access to care. The authors explored lessons learned about the national scale of this problem and whether Massachusetts should entertain legislative initiatives similar to other states as a solution. Data were collected from the boards of nursing and the national and state chapters of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners regarding current and pending legislation. State and federal sources and the Massachusetts Association of Colleges of Nursing provided statistical and qualitative data on current and future needs for NP preceptors. States that have successfully passed legislation have awarded tax incentives to NP preceptors, although none of the existing regulations have assessed for their effectiveness in improving preceptor availability. Massachusetts may benefit from legislation to improve NP student access to preceptors; however, incentives related to geographical location may best serve both students and the greater population.
