How to shadow a nurse

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.

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?

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.