Appropriate attire for shadowing floor nurse position

NurseLili · Jul 1, 2003

I've been allowed to shadow a nurse with scrubs as a nursing student.

As an orientee, I've also worn scrubs. If scrubs are not allowed, I suggest comfortable dress slacks with a lab coat.

EmeraldNYL, BSN, RN · Jul 1, 2003

I wore a suit to the interview but scrubs to shadow. You want to wear something comfortable, and heels and a dressy skirt would definitely not be comfy!

passing thru · Jul 1, 2003

Per Conventional Wisdom:

The classic "rule," in any job, anywhere, is:

You dress for the job you aspire to.

In this case, the shadow nurse should be dressed as a nurse.

nursedawn67, LPN · Jul 1, 2003

Basically I was told dress like the nurse I am shadowing is, if she/he is in scrubs...I'm in scrubs. :)

passing thru · Jul 2, 2003

You're right Greer.

atownsendrn · Jul 2, 2003

Scrubs and comfortable shoes!!!! :rolleyes:

LoriB · Jul 2, 2003

Nikki (or anyone else for that matter),

How did you go about shadowing a nurse? Did you know somebody? I'm thinking about asking at Jeff if they'll let me shadow a NICU, L&D and Floor Nurse to really see what it's like.

Lori

SmilingBluEyes · Jul 2, 2003

where i work unless you want a messy outfit, better wear scrubs.

P_RN, ADN, RN · Jul 2, 2003

How is the privacy of the patient handled with a shadow. Must they sign something? Does the nurse get permission in advance from the patients to have someone not in nursing do the shadowing?

EmeraldNYL, BSN, RN · Jul 3, 2003

Originally posted by LoriB
Nikki (or anyone else for that matter),

How did you go about shadowing a nurse? Did you know somebody? I'm thinking about asking at Jeff if they'll let me shadow a NICU, L&D and Floor Nurse to really see what it's like.

Lori

Lori,

When I went on my job interviews I asked if I could come in for a day to see if I wanted to work on that unit. There are lots of things they can tell you in the interview, but I wanted to see how the unit really runs firsthand. All of the nurse managers I spoke to during my interviews were really receptive to me coming in and shadowing. You will get to see many different areas during your clinical rotations, and lots of times nurse recruiters come and talk to the clinical group about job opportunities-- that might be a good time to talk with them about what areas interest you and they can probably set up some shadowing with different units for you. I would definitely recommed shadowing on any unit before you accept a position there to make sure it's a good fit.

EmeraldNYL, BSN, RN · Jul 3, 2003

Originally posted by P_RN
How is the privacy of the patient handled with a shadow. Must they sign something? Does the nurse get permission in advance from the patients to have someone not in nursing do the shadowing?

I didn't have to sign anything. I did however make a point to introduce myself to the patient and explain that I was a nursing student thinking of working at that hospital.