Description
Valley Healthcare System, Inc., formerly known as the Community Health Center of South Columbus, has been providing high-quality, affordable healthcare since 1994. Serving the Chattahoochee Valley region and beyond, we offer medical, dental, vision, behavioral health, outreach, and pharmacy services. We are a mission-driven organization committed to improving the health and well-being of all individuals, regardless of circumstances.
Program Overview
Valley Healthcare System, Inc. (VHcS) is committed to developing the next generation of healthcare providers through hands-on clinical learning experiences. The Nurse Practitioner (NP) Preceptorship Program offers graduate-level Nurse Practitioner students the opportunity to gain practical clinical experience in a patient-centered, team-based healthcare environment.
Participants will work alongside experienced physicians and nurse practitioners to enhance clinical knowledge, strengthen patient care skills, and gain exposure to community-based healthcare delivery while serving diverse and underserved populations.
Program Objectivities
- Provide supervised clinical experience in a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) environment.
- Enhance advanced patient assessment and diagnostic skills.
- Strengthen clinical decision-making and treatment planning.
- Promote evidence-based practice and quality patient outcomes.
- Develop proficiency in patient education and preventive care.
- Introduce team-based, integrated healthcare delivery models.
- Support transition from academic training to professional practice.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Perform comprehensive patient assessments, including medical history and physical examinations under supervision.
- Participate in diagnosing and managing acute and chronic medical conditions.
- Assist with development and implementation of treatment plans.
- Document patient encounters accurately in the electronic health record.
- Provide patient education focused on prevention, chronic disease management, and wellness.
- Observe and assist with clinical procedures as appropriate to skill level.
- Participate in care team huddles and interdisciplinary meetings.
- Collaborate with physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, behavioral health providers, and support staff.
- Follow Valley Healthcare System policies, procedures, and HIPAA regulations.
- Complete required clinical hours and academic documentation.
Learning Opportunities
- Primary Care Services
- Chronic Disease Management (Hypertension, Diabetes, etc.)
- Preventive Health Screenings
- Women’s Health
- Pediatric Care
Requirements
- Enrolled in an accredited Nurse Practitioner program (FNP, AGNP, PMHNP, etc.)
- Active and unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license
- Current BLS certification (ACLS preferred, if applicable)
- Malpractice insurance (provided by school or student)
- Affiliation agreement between academic institution and organization (if required)
- Completion of onboarding requirements (background check, immunizations, etc.)
Compliance & Confidentiality
- Participants must adhere to all Federal, State, and Local healthcare regulations, including HIPAA Privacy & Security standards.
- All participants must sign a Pledge of Confidentiality and maintain confidentiality of all written, verbal, and electronic patient information.
- Participants must secure their workspaces and log off systems when unattended.
- Non-compliance may result in immediate dismissal from the volunteer program.
Physical & Environmental Requirements
- Frequent walking, standing, reaching, bending, and lifting.
- Ability to assist or lift patients when necessary (may exceed 50 pounds).
- Normal vision, hearing, and hand-eye coordination required.
- Must be able to perform duties under stressful conditions and irregular hours.
