Re: Offered to "Shadow" for a day Originally Posted by axshusz 
I'm a new grad that resigned my initial RN position in an ED and because of the pace (pt turnover) and chaos, basically it was too much, too soon.
I recently interviewed for another position in the same system and was offered to "shadow" for a day. Has anyone else had this offer? Is it common? Does it mean it's my job to lose or turn down?
Thanks,
Acts Shoe Size
I don't think it's your "job to turn down" quite yet. The fact that they wanted you to shadow is a good sign. If you were not a good fir for the position, they'd give you the standard rejection letter.
Treat the shadowing experience as another job interview. Show your interest in the position, ask plenty of questions, be willing to lend a hand (
unofficially, of course, since you officially probably aren't allowed to do so). Shadowing gives you a chance to get a good feel for the department, and for members of the department to get a feel for you & how you might fit in.
I shadowed in my ICU before interviewing for the position, and felt very comfortable there. I've been in the unit now for ~2 months, and am learning a lot & am still enjoying things.
After your day of shadowing, don't forget to follow up with the hiring manager. Send them a thank you letter, giving some details of what you saw/experienced during the shadowing shift. It won't hurt to tell the manager how good the nurse was with whom you shadowed. Expect that that nurse will also give feedback on you, and how you might fit into the unit.
Good luck!
Search Tags
along the way.
Nursing News