How to shadow a nurse

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I've seen a lot of recommendations on here for those interested in becoming a nurse to shadow a shift first.

1) I'm surprised this would be allowed due to HIPAA/patient privacy concerns. Is this common where you work?

2) How would I go about setting this up? Start by calling the main hospital number?

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.
I've seen a lot of recommendations on here for those interested in becoming a nurse to shadow a shift first.

1) I'm surprised this would be allowed due to HIPAA/patient privacy concerns. Is this common where you work?

2) How would I go about setting this up? Start by calling the main hospital number?

It is common where I work and is arranged through human resources. You will be asked to sign an anti-disclosure agreement before being allowed on the unit. Start by calling the main hospital number and ask to be connected to HR.

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Thanks. Does the shadow literally follow the nurse around all day? Is there any interaction with/ talking to patients. Anything the shadow cannot be present for? Seems like he/she would get in the way of the nurse working.

Also, is there a specific specialty that you think would be most beneficial to shadow?

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Specializes in PACU.

I've heard this too and I spoke with my nurse manager and she said the hoops you have to go through are in place to discourage it so it really happens.

There is a HIPPA/non-disclosure, background check, and vaccination must be up to date with proof and some online training that has to be completed.

But that is just one hospital system.

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