[Lilme04]

Hello to everyone!

I'm new to this website (and a great site it is!) and also newly decided to pursue a nursing career (with hopes of working in a NICU eventually).

Do any of you know if there is a hospital somewhere in California that I can shadow a nurse for a shift (or less, anything at all would be great!). I'd be willing to travel anywhere in California to get a glimpse into what you do. I live in a small town that doesn't have a NICU.

I am working on my prereqs at a local CC right now, and will probably transfer to a 4-yr college to get my BSN eventually. I should say that this will be a late-in-life career change for me. I am 37.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

[CapeMaui]

Just about all hospitals would be willing to accomodate your shadowing request. Call up a hospital that you know has a NICU, ask for the HR department. Explain to them what you want to do and they'll usually connect you with the nurse manager in charge of NICU and set you up.

Good luck!!

[Lilme04]

I was contacted by the Children's Hospital in Madera, CA and they can't have me job shadow in the Nicu. They have been very accomidating though, so I am going to find another area to shadow there. I haven't heard back from the other hospitals I asked to job shadow in, but I assume they'll be forthcoming! Thanks for your input!

p.s. I just finished my Algebra prereq class...everyone pray I got a 'B"!!

Originally Posted by CapeMaui

Just about all hospitals would be willing to accomodate your shadowing request. Call up a hospital that you know has a NICU, ask for the HR department. Explain to them what you want to do and they'll usually connect you with the nurse manager in charge of NICU and set you up.

Good luck!!

[kimmy2]

Try Bakersfield or Sacramento. Or, if you are close to Fresno, the Kaiser has a level II nursery.

[Toby's mum]

You may also contact the volunteer director at these hospitals. They are usually very accommodating and helpful in providing shadow opportunities, especially if you are willing to volunteer there for a couple of hours/week.

Some hospitals also have a 'hug-a-preemie' program. This might be a good way in too. Good luck.