How do you feel about being asked to shadow in addition to interview?

windsurfer8, BSN, RN · Sep 6

I don't work unless I am getting paid. I am not sure what can be accomplished by shadowing an RN. I would want to know why they want this? Also who is responsible if you trip and fall? Do they want you interacting with patients? There are a lot of liability issues with this I would think. I have never even heard of it. Me personally I wouldn't do it, but it is up to you.

JKL33 · Sep 6

I would take that opportunity, personally, and think it would be a great use of my time. I can learn all I need to know **about them** in that time frame, especially whether or not I want to work there. Observation only, obviously.

Mergirlc, MSN, APRN, NP · Sep 6

As long as it is observation only, and not actual work, I think it's a great idea. This will give you an opportunity to see what the floor is like and how your future coworkers interact with each other. Four hours may not seem like a lot, but it's amazing how sometimes you can see things that you know either do, or do not, sit well with you.

This wasn't a job, but I think back to when I was doing clinicals in school and was sent to a floor where the worker actually cussed out the supervisor, blaming her for stuff the supervisor had nothing to do with. Just in the day I was there, that same nurse acted horribly; and that was only in half of the day. You couldn't pay me enough to work there, after what I observed, so I knew not to apply there.

FolksBtrippin, BSN, RN · Sep 6

I would be very happy to shadow with a potential employer so I can see how things run before I make my decision. I would not be working. I would be observing only.

4 hours is great, because it is enough time to really see what it's like.

You get the cleaned up version of the place in an interview. Everyone is on their best behavior, and they should be.
It seems like you are looking at it the wrong way. You really shouldn't be working during a shadow experience pre hire. If anyone asks you to work during your shadow experience, that's a red flag. I would tell them once, "I'm only here to observe.” Maybe they don't understand. If doing the work is expected, that's a cause to decline the job politely, thank them for their time and leave without further ado. But as long as they are calling it "shadow" I don't think that's what anyone is expecting. If they asked you to do a "trial shift" or something like that then you just decline. We don't have to do that kind of thing to get a job.

Editorial Team / Admin · Sep 6

Shadowing is a great opportunity to see how the unit works and staff interact with each other. And it's also a way for the staff to interview you without asking canned questions- are you engaged? Do you show interest in what is happening? Are you asking appropriate questions at appropriate times? But shadowing means observing, not providing free labor.

My OR doesn't even interview you until you've shadowed for at least 2 hours. You join us at 0700 and then the interview is mid-morning. We've actually had candidates realize the OR is completely different from what they expected and decide not to proceed with the actual interview after seeing the real deal. Personally, knowing what I know, if a unit didn't want me to shadow as part of the interview process, that would be a red flag to me. What don't they want me to see happening before I'm locked in?

abbnurse · Sep 7

Rose_Queen said:

And it's also a way for the staff to interview you without asking canned questions- are you engaged? Do you show interest in what is happening? Are you asking appropriate questions at appropriate times?

I think this is a major reason why employers invite potential employees to shadow. At my last job, this was really the ONLY reason it was done. The staff was observing the potential employee . Personally, I was always more than happy to shadow , either before or after the interview.

heron, ASN, RN · Sep 7

When I moved from New England to the Southwest, my top priority was to find work. I scattershot applications all over, including one particular LTC facility that had a beautiful physical plant, at least in non-patient care areas. The interview included a tour during which I noted two things: the place stank of urine and every single person I met, staff and resident, radiated angry, hostile vibes. I declined their offer. I found out much later that the facility had a terrible reputation for both quality of care and working conditions.

As an experienced nurse, I'm sure you've shown up for a shift and immediately wanted to turn around and go home just because of bad vibes. Good nurses have highly intelligent guts - shadowing gives you a good chance to listen to yours.

mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN · Sep 8

Shadowing is the best new part of interviewing!! The job I just left and the job I am going to, both had a shadow component. To me, the informal part of an interview, to see the unit, talk to another nurse, or more, is very helpful.

Not sure what your experience has been, but both times, I had a ~30 min interview and a 20-30 min shadow. To me, that's not a lot to ask. At my old job, I was one that would show shadowers around. I didn't mind that at all.

Not sure where a 2-4 HOUR shadow comes in. Never heard of that. I have more experience with new nurses coming to my old unit than I have as a person looking for employment (I am starting only my 3rd nursing job in 15 years). The potential new hires seem to like having some informal time with "real" people on the unit.

Anonnurse316 · Sep 9

I have an interview and a 45 min shadow this coming week. Im so excited to shadow! I can't think of a better way to get a feel of the unit and if it's actually a place I would want to work. I honestly wish it was longer.

kbrn2002, ADN, RN · Sep 9

A job interview is not only the employer deciding who to hire for the position but also the applicant deciding if they want to work for the employer. Even though the staff will likely be on their best behavior with an applicant shadowing it is still a great opportunity to get a feel for the unit culture and workflow and see what the physical layout of the place is like. How is the parking? Is it a LONG hike to the work area? Are supplies easily accessible and more importantly plentiful? Are staff scrambling to get work done and stressed or is it a more relaxed environment? Does that staff have the time to stop and introduce themselves to you and welcome you to the facility? You can learn a lot of valuable information during a shadow that can help you decide if you want to accept the position if it is offered. You won't be invited to job shadow unless you are on the short list of candidates so if a shadow is offered look at it as helping you decide if it's a place you want to work if a formal offer is extended.

klone, MSN, RN · Sep 9

windsurfer8 said:

I don't work unless I am getting paid. I am not sure what can be accomplished by shadowing an RN. I would want to know why they want this? Also who is responsible if you trip and fall? Do they want you interacting with patients? There are a lot of liability issues with this I would think. I have never even heard of it. Me personally I wouldn't do it, but it is up to you.

A shadow experience is not working. Shadowing is not interacting with patients, it's literally SHADOWING. If you trip and fall, it would be the same as if you were there as a visitor and you tripped and fell. I'm surprised you do not see the value of it. Don't you want an opportunity to see "behind the curtain" of a potential workplace?