Recruitment, preparation and compensation of preceptors; student preparation and assessment; as well as the context and overall experience of the student and preceptor have long been starting points for literature review when addressing the clinical competence of new graduate nurse practitioners (NPs). at the time of their entry into practice. Preceptor models and student/mentor relationships address, in part, the following benefits: opportunities for critical thinking, operationalization of theoretical concepts, improvement of professional behaviors, interaction with peers and ancillary staff, all in a real-world environment ( Ivey, 2006). . de Chesnay, Dorman, and Bennett (2012) emphasize the importance of fieldwork when training nurse practitioner students, particularly vulnerable populations. The authors note that hands-on experience helps the IP student design, implement, and evaluate work that can then be continued after graduation. de Chesnay, Hart, and Brannan (2012) discuss expanding the application of the framework from a cultural approach to one that encompasses all individuals considered vulnerable. This allows for patient/family interaction that promotes health and well-being across the spectrum of vulnerability. Vulnerable Population Geographically speaking, vulnerable populations in California include racial and ethnic minorities, undocumented immigrants, and households living below the poverty line. The state of California has the highest poverty rate of any state in the country at 23.5% (Sankin, 2012), with Fresno County having a per capita household income of less than $21,000 per year ( Demographic Overview, 2014). These demographics project that by 2020, 75% of Fresno County... middle of document ......robertmetzgerdnp/essential-vi-interprofessional-collaboration-for-improving-patient-and-population-health - resultsMitchell, ML & Jolley, JM (2004). Benefits of using theory to generate ideas. Retrieved from http://psy1.clarion.edu/mm/StudyRDE/Web_Appendixes/Theory _Appendix/Using_Theory.htm Purnell, M. J. (2006). Nursing as care: a model for transforming practice. In AM Tomey & MR Alligood (Eds.), Nursing theorists and their work (pp. 406-427). St. Louis, MO: Mosby.Sankin, A. (2012) California's poverty rate highest in nation, new Census Department figures show. Huff Post San Francisco. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/14/california-poverty_n_2132920.html Tomey, A. M. (2006). Historically Significant Nursing Theorists. In AM Tomey & MR Alligood (Eds.), Nursing theorists and their work (pp. 54-67). St. Louis, Missouri: Mosby.