Is job shadowing possible?

[SwampCat, BSN]

Now, I havent had a chance to contact any hospital or anything, but I've been thinking about job shadowing to make sure this is what I really want before I put in all the time/money/effort into school. How is it even possible for a regular person to job shadow if there are all the patient confidentiality rules? Has anyone ever shadowed or been shadowed? How does it all work?

Thanks!

[Jolie, BSN]

As a nurse manager, I used to set up shadow experiences on a regular basis. Students would contact me, usually thru a parent or friend who worked in our hospital. I was very "pro-shadow", so I think I had something of a reputation as the manager to ask. I had to get approval from my boss, but that was never a problem, since her kids were my first participants. If you know a nurse or other hospital employee, that may be helpful, but not strictly necessary. Do you have a college instructor, a family doctor or any other professional person who could "vouch" for you?

HIPAA shouldn't really be a major concern, since students are allowed to observe in the healthcare setting. The person you shadow will introduce you as a student to his/her patients and ask their permission for you to observe. Some will say, "OK." Others will decline. No big deal. I would suggest you ask for the facility's HIPAA policy prior to your shadow day and assure the person in charge that you have read it and understand the need to keep everything you see and hear confidential. Follow up with a thank you note and/or a plate of cookies for the staff.

[NurseKatie08, MSN]

I shadowed for a floor in my hospital that I was interviewing on for an RN position. There was no issue with confidentiality as I was already employed by the hospital as a tech, so I didn't have to jump through any hoops. I agree with the previous poster, I don't think that it should be a problem at most hospitals. And definitely follow up by thanking the person that you shadowed!

[FranNHRN]

When I worked in home care, shadowing was very popular because many nurses don't know if home care is something they want to go into. Our agency used to have a policy for students and anyone shadowing that they were to sign a "confidentiality agreement" that states they agree not to share the info that they learned with anyone. It wasn't a big deal. I think shadowing is a great idea and wished I had thought of doing it before I did some of the positions I have done. Good luck!!!

[crunchymomx3]

I shadowed as a student for the job I have now. I interviewed and when they offered me a job I asked to shadow before I accepted. Not sure how it would work for someone who isn't a student yet though

[Journey_On, BSN, RN]

I think it is a great idea to shadow someone! In high school, when I was interested in the medical field, I shadowed an orthopedic surgeon and found it fascinating - that was set up by my college counselor. I also had the opportunity to view an open-heart surgery because I personally knew a cardiac surgeon.

Just this past week, I had the opportunity to shadow a geriatric NP because I am interested in possibly becoming an NP. I did not have to sign any papers, and I got connected with the NP through one of my professors. All I had to do was show up. I actually wore what I wear to clinicals - my white uniform & name badge - plus my lab coat.

I wrote her a thank you email afterwards. I'm sure a real thank you card would have been better, but I did not get a chance to find other contact information for her (I hope this was okay).

[blondy2061h, MSN, RN]

I shadowed before I started my job.

[Jdl2002]

If you don't already know anyone at the facility at which you wanted to shadow, look at the hospital website for the nurse recruiter. I know our recruiter helps to set up shadowing for potential employees all the time.