How To Shadow a Nurse,..Please Help

OB_or_NICU_hopeful · Jan 20, 2006

I'm not a man, I hope it's ok to offer information here......

I am from the Cincinnati, Ohio area and this is what I did to shadow an RN. We have a program through The Greater Cincinnati Health Council specifically designed to shadow heath care workers. I had to be current on the required vax's and have a 2-step PPD. I attended a short orientation (basically, they stressed the importance of OBSERVING only :chuckle ). It was an amazing experience. My two interests (obviously) are Labor & Delivery and NICU. I stayed for nearly nine hours in L&D. I witnessed multiple lady partsl births and two c-sections. I observed epidural, foley cath, and IV insertions. It was quite a day!!! I couldn't believe all the things I was able to witness (my preceptor just basically told me to follow her anywhere she went).

Shadowing in the NICU wasn't as fast-paced, but it was also a neat opportunity. I stayed for about three or four hours. We talked a lot more than I did with my L&D preceptor. She had some pretty tiny ones she was taking care of, so I never actually witnessed her handling the babies. Her main focus was just keeping them comfortable and content.

HTH :)

thatoneguy · Jan 20, 2006

i tihnk you would be better off waiting until you at least finish your frist year in a nursing program before shadowing a nurse. then you will have a better idea of what your watching and know what questions you want answered. one tip, i always ask if it would be ok if i pick their brain a little. usually they say sure, but sometimes they say no dont have the time. those that say they dont have the time usually comeback later when they do have the time. the important thing is to let them know you want their feedback.

OB_or_NICU_hopeful · Jan 20, 2006

I want to make sure this is what I want to do before I begin applying

....

thatoneguy · Jan 20, 2006

yeah but will never know if this is want you want until you begin.