Shadowing at a hospital questions

[medapop, BSN, RN]

I'm planning on shadowing at a hospital sometime over the summer so I can decide on a major. My younger sister is also interest in the healthcare careers. Do you think a hospital would allow both of us to shadow together? I'm 19 and she's 17. She will be going into her senior year of high school and I will be going into my sophomore year of college. I'm also wondering if you think they would allow me to shadow multiple jobs. I can't decide between nurse practitioner, occupational therapist, and physician assistant. I do know for sure that I want a healthcare job though. Any advice on this? Thanks!

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

Best bet is to address this directly with the facility. It may be that they refuse your request due to your sister being under 18. There will be paperwork required.

[springchick1, ADN, RN]

You have to be 18 or older to observe at the hospital where I work. You also have to know someone and shadow them (with permission from the manager). Hospitals won't just let anyone come in and observe.

[AceOfHearts<3]

My hospital has a shadowing experience they offer to the community. You go through HR I think to arrange it all. We've had a teenager shadow a nurse on my unit. I honestly don't know if they'd want two people shadowing at once. Even just one person can really get in the way, I can't imagine having to work around 2 people. I know I personally would say no to 2 people shadowing me at once- nothing personal, there's just too much work to do.

[kakamegamama]

How fun, cool, neat, etc., that you & your sibling are wanting to do this! HR, Volunteer Services, etc., are good places to start in a hospital about what is available, etc, especially if they have Candy Stripers/Junior Volunteers. Wish you the best!