Job shadowing in Eastern Ontario

[PotentialRPN]

Hi,

I'm considering being a nurse but before I decide completely I want to see what a normal shift is like for a rpn. I have an idea what the job entails but I'd rather make sure the job is how I view it instead of a romantic version. Who would I approach in a long term care facility and a hospital? Can I even job shadow in a hospital? Any help would definitely be appreciated!

[Fiona59]

I don't know about Ontario but out here in Alberta, not in my hospital unless you are staff and the unit manager is on board. You have to remember that patients are entitled to privacy and all our staff have to be screened to work in the "vulnerable sector". Our volunteers are also security screened.

You might want to try volunteering in some sort of role to see nurses at work but you will not be at the bedside unless reading or at a crafts activity (in LTC)

[xokw, BSN, RN]

Same in Ontario.

Volunteering is your best option to get a snapshot but still will not pair you with a nurse.

[loriangel14, RN]

You won't be able to shadow a nurse due to liability and privacy issues. Volunteering doesn't involve the nursing staff or patients.

Feel free to ask questuions about the realities of the job, or tell us what you think and we will tell you if you are being realistic.

[PotentialRPN]

*sigh* That's a bit frustrating. I can understand the privacy and liability side of things. I wouldn't expect to be able to do any of the jobs the nurses did but just see what a day was like. I'm trying to get an idea by looking at job listings to see expectations. I guess my only option is just to volunteer in hospital which I don't mind.

[PotentialRPN]

As for what I envision a rpn doing depends on the facility. I'm guessing one wouldn't deal with IV lines in a LTC but would do wound cleaning, meds, washing, lifting? I'm thinking there is a heavier patient load at a hospital as well?

[Mewsin]

I'm not sure what happens there but I know in my ltc facility they do get IV lines and lpns do insert IVs, hang medications and maintain them.

[PotentialRPN]

So, the work is the same in both facilities then? Do you find a difference between working night and day shifts? If the night shift is different, how?

[loriangel14, RN]

Volunteering at the hospital really won't give you an idea of the duties/responsibilites of a nurse.

Night shift is different in that you don't have to deal with management and people like physio, not as much families and not as many doctors.

Depending on the unit the RPN will do assessments, wound care, administer meds, collect samples, provide personal care, assist with toileting and feeding, provide patient education, communicate with families and other members of the health care team, monitor lab results, do admissions and discharges, perform skills such as inserting catheters and starting IVs, process orders and of course chart ALL of the above.You will also be advocating for your patients, attending meeting, sitting on commitees, and taking part in ongoing continuing education required by your employer. Problem solving is a big part of your day.

[PotentialRPN]

Thanks for replying everyone, I really appreciate all the answers. I'm only 5'2, will this be a problem with lifting patients? What advice would you give to someone thinking about this profession?

[loriangel14, RN]

Your hieght won't be a problem.You really aren't "lifting" patients. Rolling yes, but if they can't lift themselves you should be using a mechanical lift or device.

[PotentialRPN]

Ok, really good to hear!