Has anyone done shadowing as part of the hiring process?

onduty23 · Mar 20, 2007

first i heard of it

Altra, BSN, RN · Apr 9, 2007

Both hospitals I interviewed at have me scheduled for shadowing. One wasn't necessary, but was highly suggested to make sure this is what I want to be doing.
The other hospital said that's it's standard.
Is this truely just an observation experience to find out if I like the unit or not, or is there more that I should be prepared for?
thanks

I believe this speaks well of both facilities, if they are offering this opportunity. Too many hiring processes get derailed by personality/culture conflicts -- this is an important opportunity for both parties to get a glimpse before making the commitment.

If the hospital has offered this, then I believe this is about observing you as much as it is an opportunity for you to observe the unit, so treat it as a walking interview.

I shadowed at 2 of the 3 hospitals where I applied before graduation (I worked as a tech at the 3rd). It was very valuable experience - I knew by the end of the 2nd shadowing day which position I would accept.

Good luck to you! :)

incublissRN, BSN, RN · Apr 10, 2007

I shadowed my unit after an interview with the manager. It was an opportunity for me to ask questions and see if it was the right fit for me. It was also an opportunity for the staff to interview me because they have a say in hiring staff. Ask lots of questions and try to do as much as possible!

stevesf · Apr 15, 2007

Hi,

I shadowed with a great instructor in her SICU, and felt that after other clinical experiences at the same hospital (on the floors), that the unit was the only place I would have considered working in that facility. The main reason was the crew and the management, whom I never would have met without the shadow experience. Several conversations with nurses there pointed me away from direct entry into a SICU/MICU, and I ended up applying for a job (where I could get some time-management experience) at a neighboring hospital on a step-down/tele floor.

The step-down unit manager invited me to shadow to see if I liked it, but also to let the other RN's and CNA's have a look at me. It's a closed unit, so they're particular about who they want in there. Again, a valuable experience for both parties.

Granted, everyone is on their best behavior, but you can tell what's going on, you know? After my last clinical experience (another hospital), our instructor used to apologize for the floor we were on. My reply was that, as bad as it was, it had value, because it taught me that this was no place to start my career.

My $0.02? Definitely go for the shadow, preferably on both shifts, if possible.