[kiss04bam]

Okay I will probably be starting LPN school in Feb or August of 09. The hospital that we will be doing our clinicals is offering that you can shadow someone in the healthcare profession (assuming that, that includes LPN's). I know this is something I want to do. But do you think it would benefit me if I did shadowing, becuase I have NO medical background?

[midcom]

Absolutely! People with no medical background often believe what they see on TV or really don't have any idea what is involved in nursing. I believe that it's important to be exposed to all kinds of experiences. I shadowed on a cardiac unit, in a family practice clinic, in a dialysis unit, at an ER, and in a nephrologist's office. It was really helpful.

Dixie

[kiss04bam]

Ok I filled out the shadowing application, and they said I should hear from someone in 2-4 weeks.

[Jules A]

I'm glad you decided to try it. I have shadowed a couple of times in different areas that I thought might interest me and have really benefited from each one. Let us know what area you get and how you liked it.

[MzGurl]

Hey can u only do the shadowing if ur in a nursing program already or what and is shadowing like becoming a volunteer at a hospital

[midcom]

Originally Posted by MzGurl

Hey can u only do the shadowing if ur in a nursing program already or what and is shadowing like becoming a volunteer at a hospital

Where I work, high school kids & older individuals (I was 56!) can shadow. When you shadow, basically, all you do is watch & ask questions. You don't work.
Some places make you jump through lots of hoops to be able to shadow. At one of the places I shadowed, actually where I work now, I had to supply proof that my immunizations were up to date. I'm old, I had measles, mumps, & chickenpox so never was immunized for them. I had to get immunized for measles anyway. The least I had to do was sign a privacy statement saying I wouldn't pass on any information about patients, HIPAA, you know.
Dixie

[Melinurse]

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO GET MORE EDUCATION FROM REAL LIFE EXPERIENCES!!! This sounds like a great opportunity. How long do you get to shadow? Do you get paid too? Bravo for that hospital!