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.