Is shadowing necessary

[mnurse2b613]

Hi everyone,

I am almost finished all my prerequisite to apply to a direct entry-nursing program and I am deciding to go for either FNP or CRNA but the thing is, I cannot really find any nurses to shadow in either of those fields. In addition, the hospitals around me are very competitive when it comes to regarding volunteering or shadowing. So my main question is volunteering or shadowing necessary? And if it is, will it necessary make my resume better? And can I shadow a doctor instead of a nurse because I can easily shadow a doctor?

Thanks

[springchick1, ADN, RN]

You have to have a minimum of one year critical care experience before being accepted into a CRNA. Your school may require shadowing and if they do, you need to shadow a nurse, not a doctor. Those are two completely different types of job.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

My organization no longer allows any "shadowing" due to liability issues. Employers will require a formal agreement in order to host any type of shadowing experience, so you may want to try contacting the nursing administration or nursing/clinical education departments rather than just asking individuals. These are the departments that are most familiar with the academic contracting process & would be much more likely to either help you with the process or let you know that the organization will not be able to accommodate your request.