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

[Marshall1]

I applied for a few of PRN/part time positions. None of these are speciality areas, I am not a new nurse and have worked in the same/similar positions before. I currently work weekends as a physical rehab facility so I am currently working/active in nursing.

All employers responded & 2 have requested an interview that would require additional time for shadowing another nurse after the customary interview is done. One for an hour, the other is requesting an additional 4 hours after the interview to shadow.

I am not sure how I feel about this additional request of shadowing.  I have agreed to this before & spent several hours of uncompenstated time, been told how impressed they were etc. only to not be extended an offer after jumping through that additional hoop & waiting for several weeks for a decision.

 I know not all job interviews end with an offer but to spend 1/2 or close to all day interviewing/shadowing seems a big "ask" of the potential employer given it's time I am not compensated for & not a final candidate. 

Just curious as to what others on here think about employers requiring/requesting hours of shadowing on top of the interview.

 

[offlabel]

They're doing you a favor. You may hate the place. You may not be a great fit. Given the amount of time you'll be spending there, even part time, seems like a rational thing to do? 

[RNNPICU, BSN, RN]

Shadowing is an excellent way to really see what the facility is like, see what the job actually entails.  You are just observing and following. You cannot perform patient care as you are not actually working, you are a guest and visitor. 

During an interview you are givne an opportunity to see the facility and hear about it, shadowing shows you what the work entails.

As others have stated, if your fell, etc, it would be just like every other visitor, family members, etc. 

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Different floors can have be run well or are falling apart. All put their best foot forward to attract staff.     As part of shadowing, I spend some time in their cafeteria area to get a sense if employees seem happy + smiling,  interact and greet each other, overhear conversations and vibe of facility. All stressed/rushed, no eye contact, complaining about staff/lack equipment, cold shoulder when I ask where to get coffee/soda heavily weighs in my employment decision.

[greener22, BSN, MSN, RN]

I think it's a good idea to shadow any position your interviewing for that way you get to know if it's a good fit for you and they know if you are a good fit for them. I request a shadowing experience so I know what I'm getting myself into. But yes it is on your time. I feel like if you're really interested in a position an extra four hours is not that big of a deal.

[Merasyph1]

I always ask to shadow. I'm not "working" or doing it to showcase myself, that is what the interview was for.

I shadow because I want to know how the unit runs. Is the manager locked up in an office with high heels on? Is the unit full of cliques? Do I see happy nurses helping each other? Are people welcoming? 

Shadowing can give alot of insight to a unit. 

 

[winniewoman9060ret]

Shadowing was a great experience for me. I had applied for a asu/pacu job and after 35 years of working in clinics and then a surgery unit, this was a great change in practice. I learned a lot about the role, the staff and management. 
I agree with all that has been said, but this gave me the opportunity to ask questions about the management, how they treated their staff, where they liked, willing to help the staff when their was a need. Goes both ways. 
I got the job, retired from a discharge unit which was a new addition to the surgical area. That was the best job!

[Marshall1]

I ended up agreeing to the 1 hour shadowing as there was no patient care/expectations of anything other than for me to observe and ask other nurses questions without leadership present. It was informative and gave a preview of what the day to day job would be like. I was offered the position a few days later and did accept.

The 4 hour shadowing I declined - not only because it was 4 hours but also because there was the expectation to work with another nurse caring for patients. I wasn't comfortable with that for a variety of reasons.

It seems the  shadowing really isn't that unusal now. Definitely has its plus and missues and honestly, shadowing did not effect my decision to accept the position as I would have regardless based on the position and what it offers but it will be helpful to have an idea now of the flow of the day and have met some soon to be coworkers I guess.

[Prokash]

4 hours does seem like a big commitment on paper, but if it's a fast paced environment, 4 hours goes quickly, and staff will be more organic. If it's a position I really want I would be on board.  1 hour gives very minimal insight.  You are assessing them as much as they are you. Give yourself the best opportunity to see if the work and atmosphere fits you. Good luck.

[Mergirlc, MSN, APRN, NP]

Marshall1 said:

I ended up agreeing to the 1 hour shadowing as there was no patient care/expectations of anything other than for me to observe and ask other nurses questions without leadership present. It was informative and gave a preview of what the day to day job would be like. I was offered the position a few days later and did accept.

The 4 hour shadowing I declined - not only because it was 4 hours but also because there was the expectation to work with another nurse caring for patients. I wasn't comfortable with that for a variety of reasons.

It seems the  shadowing really isn't that unusal now. Definitely has its plus and missues and honestly, shadowing did not effect my decision to accept the position as I would have regardless based on the position and what it offers but it will be helpful to have an idea now of the flow of the day and have met some soon to be coworkers I guess.

Congratulations and best of luck to you!