Shawdowing

Rena RN 2003, RN · Aug 10, 2002

i don't know about your area, but in the cincinnati area all we have to do is call either a human resources or an education coordinator and they will arrange for us to shadow whatever department we wish.

so far, i've shadowed ER (several times) and NICU (once). i have a break coming up and i'm going to try and shadow in the ICU (where i want to go after graduation).

just give the hospital a call. chances seem to be better if it's a teaching hospital also.

susanmary · Aug 10, 2002

Send a letter to the human resources department requesting to job shadow in whatever departments that interest you. I'd include a resume and several letter of references. Then follow up with the human resource representative by phone. Follow through -- I'm sure they would be happy to accommodate you. Also, I'm sure your college can arrange for you to job shadow -- check with your advisor. Shadowing is a great way to get a snapshot picture of nursing -- remember it is only a "snapshot" & your experience will be reflective of whatever is going on in the unit on that particular day. I'd recommend shadowing several times in any area you are interested in -- possibly do it on different shifts. Good luck.

I STRONGLY recommend job shadowing to any student nurse interested in learning more about a specific nursing area. Also, it is a great way to make contacts.

RENAISSANCE RN · Aug 10, 2002

Thank you so much for the information.. I will follow your suggestions.

Terri

Love-A-Nurse · Aug 11, 2002

welcome and all the best to you.

HISSYTHECAT · Sep 5, 2002

I got to shadow last Saturday. I called the Director of Nursing. It was awesome

Nurse K-Bear · Sep 5, 2002

you could always work as a nurse extern or nursing assistant to get experience as well.

natsfanrn · Sep 6, 2002

One of our local hospitals offers nurse mentors to nursing students. You sign up, and they assign you a mentor whom you can shadow whenever you want. They're also available to help out with any questions, offer career advice, meet for lunches, etc. I'll probably sign up when I officially start the program in May...