Can you "shadow" a working nurse?

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This is my first time here--I've just decided to pursue a nursing education. I'm planning to start taking prereqs in the spring in anticipation of applying in a couple of years. I've always been drawn to nursing, but for various reasons my path went elsewhere. I'm now ready to "take the plunge." However, I was wondering if there is such a thing as "shadowing" a working RN to get an idea of what their working day is like. I would love to do this a couple of times to truly make sure I am making the right choice (I'm 99.9% sure.) It's just that I've heard/read some horror stories-not just nursing, but other career choices as well.

So, does anyone know if this happens? Or, has someone done this? If you have, how do you go about arranging the whole thing? Unfortunately, I don't know anyone personally who is a working RN.

Thanks!

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Hello. I don't have an answer for you but I was wondering the same thing. I have been trying to get involved at the hospital here for the past two months to volunteer and I am not getting anywhere with them. They act like they don't want volunteers and then when I asked if I could job shadow...the lady didn't know what I was talking about. Hopefully, someone can help.

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Specializes in progressive care telemetry.

Absolutely! I shadowed my neighbor who is a NICU nurse and I also had orientation as a formal shadowing program this summer. I haven't done the shadowing experience yet but plan to in the next couple weeks in a med-surg unit.

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How did you find out about the shadowing program your going to be participating in? Any suggestions as to how I would find a similiar situation? Did you go to a certain website or contact a hospital?

Thanks!

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That sucks. Is there another hospital in your area? Also, try one of those volunteer websites like "volunteermatch."

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YES, you CAN shadow a nurse. It's interesting actually. I would contact you local hospitals and nursing homes and see what is available to you. Also, if you are thinking about going into nursing, get your feet wet and become a CNA while you do your pre-reqs. GOOD LUCK!

~Crystal

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The hospital here in my town has a form on line for anyone who wants to job shadow nurses. However the student has to have their physicals and shots up to date before acutally doing the shadowing. If you have trouble trying to volunteer at your local hospital, try instead the National Kidney Foundations, they always have health fairs where they screen people for any risk of kidney disease. I don't know what the American Heart Assoication or the American Lung Associations, try checking them out.

Hope this helps!!

Tommy

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