advice for a shadow day

Published

Hello, Everyone:

I was asked by a nurse manager to come in for a shadow day for their main OR without an interview beforehand. I am wondering if anyone has any experience or suggestions about it? Any suggestions are helpful at this point. For example, what should I prepare? What kind of questions should I ask? What should I wear?

Thanks in advance.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Palliative Care, NICU/NNP.

When I shadowed an RN I wore scrubs and just followed him around. Various questions came up during the four hours and I got them answered. I met the staff. I had interviewed first and then shadowed to see if I wanted to try the job.

So, I assume they will have you put on OR scrubs when you get there. Wear comfortable shoes which you'll cover up with booties.

Just ask them about call, call pay, weekends, shifts, etc. An OR person can better help you with the questions.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in surgical, emergency.

Yep, good advice.

You'll be wearing surgical scrubs, so don't worry too much about street clothes. However, if you are considering employment with them, don't dress down too much, you do want them to like what they see.

Wear sneakers, they'll give you shoe covers. You will likely be on your feet for a while, be comfortable.

You may consider getting one of those little spiral ring note books, and a pen, and take with you. You could start by jotting down questions ahead of time, it's easy to forget your questions on the day of the shadowing.

It will give you a place to note things, names, numbers, etc for later.

One thing!! EAT!!!!!

Many people that I've see have trouble, getting sick, faint, etc in the OR had one thing in common. They didn't eat breakfast. Even if you don't normally eat breakfast, do so that day!

Look on this website, there is several great threads on this subject.

Good Luck, let us know how it went!!

Mike

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you all for your helpful advices. I had my shadow day on Mon and followed by an interview. It went well in general. Anyway, I am still waiting for them to respond. I will keep you updated and post the interview process once I hear from them.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion