How to go about job shadowing or volunteering?

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Hey Everyone!

This is going to seem very common sense, but I just want to make sure that I am doing it correctly and get any advice you all might have.

I need to begin volunteering or job shadowing ASAP. I met with my nursing advisor a couple days ago and she told me that all the local hospitals in our area have like 3-6 month waiting lists to volunteer. My friend recommended school nurses to job shadow? Where have others done it? My biggest question is what do you say? Do you just call random places up and ask if you can job shadow or volunteer? Is there any specific verbiage that anyone recommends?

Sorry for such a dumb question, but thanks in advance for some advice!

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Specializes in RN-BC, CCRN, TCRN, CEN.

I job shadowed Friday in our local ED. It was pretty boring. A little girls hand hurt, and a construction worker got hurt. That's all! Of course, we live in a town of 26,000 so not much usually happens, but come on!

If you live in a bigger city, try their hospital, though you might have to wait a bit. Do you know what department you want to go into? Try shadowing that position.

Hope that helps!

Jeremy

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I was just thinking that I would love to follow a nurse for a few days. Do all schools require this or is it more for info purposes?! If it is a requirement for school maybe they will have some suggestions. Another idea is to tell the hospital, etc. it is for school and maybe they will help you along as it is such a priority.

I would try hospitals, doctor's offices, those quickie med help centers, nursing homes, etc. I woud just tell them you are going to school and this is a requirement that needs to be met. Being extra polite and extra cheery works. Sometimes the people who answer phones are treated so rudely that a pleasant and courteous voice really makes them want to help out.

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Specializes in RN-BC, CCRN, TCRN, CEN.

I went on one just for info purposes, but I don't think It'd be required, as that is the job of clinicals but I could be wrong

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Call around to any rural hospitals in your area to see if they allow job shadowing, as they are your best bet. It may be a bit of a drive for you, but it's worth it.

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