Offered to "Shadow" for a day

Jules A, MSN · Oct 17, 2009

I wouldn't take a job without spending some time on the unit to get a feel for the atmosphere. Its a great opportunity for you to check them out and them to check you out. Good luck.

Kevin RN08 · Oct 17, 2009

Thanks, that's kinda what I think ... wish I'd have had (or asked for) the opportunity the first time!

CrufflerJJ, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Oct 18, 2009

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!

Kevin RN08 · Oct 18, 2009

Thanks JJ-

You outlined my plan perfectly. I am looking at this as an extention of the interview, taking it as MY opportunity to drive.

And now I'm off to go win hearts and minds ....

CrufflerJJ, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Oct 18, 2009

Thanks JJ-
You outlined my plan perfectly. I am looking at this as an extention of the interview, taking it as MY opportunity to drive.
And now I'm off to go win hearts and minds ....

Well??? How did it go? Hopefully you won some hearts & minds, or at least collected a few ears:eek: along the way.

Kevin RN08 · Oct 19, 2009

I feel sorta cheap saying this ... and don't tell my wife of 22 years, but I am in LOVE! Autonomy, support, education, and a 5:1 ratio I can't dream of a better oppotunity.

If tomorrow comes and I don't get the position I will be crushed! I had all these questions and all these statements and they all ended up being N/A because the question was answered or comment was stolen from me. The only thing to complain about (as of now) is that ADN earns less than BSN as a New grad.

Just WOW. All NGs owe them selves an opportunity at a Magnet Hospital, period.

Kevin RN08 · Oct 19, 2009

It's official, I got the job. Pee in a cup on Friday and start orientation on 11/2.

Thanks for the support and guidance.

NewAggieGrad09 · Oct 19, 2009

It's official, I got the job. Pee in a cup on Friday and start orientation on 11/2.
Thanks for the support and guidance.

Yayyyyy!!! I was waiting for the news!! Congratulations!!

CrufflerJJ, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Oct 20, 2009

It's official, I got the job. Pee in a cup on Friday and start orientation on 11/2.
Thanks for the support and guidance.

Congrats on your new job! :up:

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Oct 20, 2009

Congrats!

I've had offers to shadow, and I've always taken that as a very good sign...and most of the time, it was.