Credentialing FAQ

  • Is there a list of previously used preceptors and/or sites?
    • Yes, students can access previously used preceptors and sites through our web-based Community Map once they have been admitted to a program and attended Frontier Bound.
  • I already have a site in mind for my clinicals. How can the Community Map assist me?
    • The Community Map is a wealth of information as it includes previously used preceptors and sites. Some sites may contain initial placement instructions. It's important that you follow any instructions listed so that you are in compliance with the site's policies. You will also complete the CSAF via the Community Map.
  • What is an RCF?
    • RCF is a faculty member at FNU who serves as a clinical advisor to students. Your RCF is a practitioner in your curriculum field who will evaluate your clinical sites and preceptors you select. Your RCF will work closely with you and your clinical preceptors throughout your clinical practicum.
  • Who is my RCF?
    • The best place to see your assigned RCF is on your My Clinical Plan on your FNU Directory page. If you are completing clinicals in multiple states, contact the RCF on your My Clinical Plan and the appropriate RCF will be assigned to you.
  • What is a Credentialing Coordinator?
    • A Credentialing Coordinator is a staff member who works to credential a student’s chosen clinical site(s) & preceptor(s). Your Credentialing Coordinator is assigned by the state where you’ll complete clinicals and can be found on your My Clinical Plan on your FNU Directory page.
  • What is the Clinical Outreach and Placement office?
    • The Clinical Outreach and Placement office includes Clinical Advisors who can help you plan for clinicals. Find more information on their Banyan Tree portal page: https://portal.frontier.edu/web/fnu/clinical-outreach-and-placement
      • provide individual appointments to discuss strategies
      • direct you to tools and resources to navigate through your clinical search
      • help you understand the appropriate timeline for securing a preceptor and site
      • steer you in the right direction if you have etiquette concerns
  • I have a preceptor, now what?
    • Once you have secured a clinical rotation, you'll complete the Clinical Site Approval Form via the Community Map. Locate the site on the map and submit your form by clicking "Add to My Clincal Plan." If you cannot find the site on the map, you will need to click on "Request New Site" in blue. Your RCF will receive and review the CSAF to ensure it will help you meet the objectives of your program. Next, your assigned Clinical Credentialing Coordintor will contact your site on your behalf to start the credentialing process. If your site/preceptor has been used by FNU students in the past, your Credentialing Coordinator will determine what updates, if any, need to be made.
  • Can I start if my BLS/AWHONN/NRP expires in the middle of my clinical practicum?
    • Yes, however, your BLS/AWHONN/NRP must be renewed prior to its expiration, or you risk a disruption to your clinical practicum until it is renewed. The same is true for all student documents. If CastleBranch alerts you of an expiring document or you see a red indicator on My Compliance, please update the requirements in CastleBranch as soon as possible.
  • What does it take to complete clinicals?
    • Most students will be in clinical for 6-9 months. FNU students must complete a minimum number of clinical hours, a minimum number of calendar weeks in which clinical is done, minimum requirements for clinical experiences in all areas of practice as evidenced by completion of required clinical visits and a signed declaration of safety, and the RCF’s final approval. The FNU minimum clinical experience for MSN students is 675 clinical hours and sixteen (16) weeks of clinical. The FNU minimum clinical experience for post-master’s students is 540 clinical hours with a successful challenge of three (3) clinical credits and fourteen (14) weeks of clinical. All students are to complete a minimum of 20 hours/week for the clinical courses ending in 712, 713, 714, and 715; 30 hours/week are required for 716. FNU students are encouraged to plan two to three terms in clinical. All clinical students need to meet with their RCF to discuss how to meet their clinical requirements and maximize their learning experience. RCFs may impose limitations on hours, types of experiences, etc. at their discretion.
  • I recently completed a background check for my employer; do I still need to complete the background check through CastleBranch for my student credentialing?
    • Yes, all students need to complete the background check through CastleBranch, regardless of what your employer requires.
  • I don’t have health insurance; does FNU offer student health insurance plans?
    • Students are required to carry health insurance and will be personally responsible for any and all health care costs while enrolled at FNU. Frontier Nursing University does not offer health insurance to students.Students must maintain personal health insurance. Students can secure health insurance coverage through the federal exchange, or your home state exchange if your state is not a part of the federal exchange. You can find out more at: www.healthcare.gov.
  • I am a member of the Christian Health Care sharing ministry through Samaritan Ministries. Does FNU accept this as an acceptable type of insurance?
    • Health sharing programs are acceptable in lieu of health insurance with FNU but clinical sites may not accept health sharing programs​​.
  • What about clinical time and my employment?
    • In order to gain the maximum benefit from the clinical experience, students are encouraged not to work during the Clinical Practicum, if possible. Students must not work as nurses, nurse midwives, or nurse practitioners in the same unit, office, or clinic where they are clinical as FNU students. The Regional Clinical Faculty (RCF) should be consulted if there are any questions about this policy.
  • Can I use a birth center for my clinical time?
    • Yes, however, birth centers must meet FNU credentialing criteria and be nationally accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Birth Centers (CABC) to be eligible for use during the clinical practicum.
  • Can I use a home birth practice associated with a birth center for my clinical time?
    • Yes, however, birth centers must meet FNU credentialing criteria and be nationally accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Birth Centers (CABC) to be eligible for use during the clinical practicum. In addition, home birth sites must be reviewed and approved through FNU’s home birth approval process prior to the clinical practicum.
  • Can I use a home birth practice for my clinical time?
    • Yes. Home birth sites may be utilized for clinical practicum if all FNU credentialing requirements are met including malpractice insurance. Home birth sites must be reviewed and approved through FNU's home birth approval process prior to the clinical practicum.
  • How do I add an additional preceptor if I am already in clinicals?
    • You may need to add additional preceptors to a clinical site after it is on your My Clinical Plan and sometimes even after you have started your rotation. In order to add a preceptor, you will want to follow these steps: -Login to Banyan Tree Portal -Click "My Profile" -Scroll down to "My Clinical Plan" -Expand the site where you would like to add a preceptor -Click "Add New Preceptor to this Site"
  • Can I work with more than one preceptor?
    • Yes, the Clinical Credentialing Department can credential any number of preceptors. You may need to add additional preceptors to a clinical site after it is on your My Clinical Plan and sometimes even after you have started your rotation. In order to add a preceptor, you will want to follow these steps: -Login to Banyan Tree Portal -Click "My Profile" -Scroll down to "My Clinical Plan" -Expand the site where you would like to add a preceptor -Click "Add New Preceptor to this Site"
  • Who can serve as a preceptor?
    • Program Track Post-Bachelors CNM MSN
      (CNM, FNP, NNP, PNP, WHNP)      		 MD/DO
      CNEP ✓ ✓ ✓ up to 20% (8 births maximum)
      CFNP   ✓ ✓ up to 40%
      CWHCNP   ✓ ✓ up to 20%
      Note: PAs, CPMs, & CNSs are NOT acceptable preceptors for FNU students

      Program Track    
      PMHNP MD-Psych
      Psychiatrists      		 LCSW*
      Licensed Clinical Social Worker
      PhD/PsyD
      Psychologists      		 LSW*
      Licensed Social Worker
      PMHNP
      Psych-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner      		 MFT*
      Marriage & Family Therapist
      PMHCNS
      Psych-Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist      		 LDAC*
      Licensed Alcohol & Drug Counselor
      *Master’s degree or higher required
  • Where can I complete clinicals?
    • Family Nursing Nurse Midwifery Psych-Mental Health Women's Health 
      Family Practice Home Birth Site** Private Practice Family Practice
      Internal Medicine Birth Centers** Community Mental Health Midwifery/Women's Clinics
      Pediatrics Hospitals Crisis Center Birth Centers (GYN Care) **
      ED/Fast Track (with RCF approval) Midwifery/Women's Clinics Substance Abuse Facility  
          Mental Health Hospital  
      ** must meet the university's policy for an eligible practice