Shadowing?

[honeymist]

I am applying to accelerated nursing programs right now (2nd degree options). I know this is what I want to do (nursing) but just would really like the chance to shadow a nurse and just see what a day is like. I can talk to every nurse I know but I wont really know what it's like without observing what they deal with. Before anyone says get a CNA job, I work in finance right now and cannot afford to give up this job and my salary - I need this money to put aside to PAY for nursing school (and all my lost wages while I'm not working during school - we've got a mortgage to pay, etc).

Wondering if it's possible to shadow a nurse? From what I hear, it's tricky w/ HIPAA...anyone have any advice?

Thanks! :)

ETA - I put this in the Mass section because I'm in MA and thought MA people/nurses may know the laws here (perhaps they differ from state to state).

[Smarty Pants]

As far as I know, the school I am attending let other students shawdow proir to entering Nursing school (to see what it was like and give them an idea as to what they are in for...) so mabey your school will offer?

[April, RN, BSN, RN]

I don't know the "rules", but do you personally know any nurses that you could shadow? The hospital might be more willing to let you shadow that way instead of just being an unknown person calling HR wanting to shadow.