LTC Job Offer-but can't shadow RN???

[elprup]

New Grad/Old Grad here. Today I get an offer for a LTC/Rehab Center in town. I ask if I can shadow an RN to see the flow (and cement my decision... Becuase the local hospital just put out ads for 4 new RN positions and I really really want to work there). Anyway, supervisor stated that I can only shadow an employee RN if I am an employee, due to HIPAA conditions.?????

I made an appointment to talk with her tomorrow about the job, but I do not believe she is correct on the HIPAA? I thought that because I am an RN (BSN), I am already bound by HIPAA regulations no matter what job I do or any volunteering I do. Why do you think I cannot shadow an RN that is already working there, on my own dime, to see what it is like? Maybe my HIPAA ideas are incorrect?

Thanks for any assistance,

elp

[elprup, BSN, RN]

David13- thank you and to the other replies. I was a bit confused when supervisor stated reason was due to HIPAA. This has peaked my curiosity. When she called this morning she stated, "We want to hire you". I stated that I called several times since my application (about 3 months ago) and thought no reply meant they filled the position. Supervisor stated, "Oh no, we are just disorganized". Which immediately made me send up a red flag as well.

My appt is tomorrow early afternoon. I am curious to see what she says.....and what my feelings are. Thanks everybody.

[caliotter3]

What? She doesn't think you would adhere to HIPAA considerations? Huh. When I was hospitalized, I specifically informed the nursing staff that I wanted access to my private room controlled. They did not stop the stranger who came into my room in the middle of the night. I find it hard to believe that you would pose a problem. At least you would have a valid reason to be on the floor, unlike my middle of the night "visitor".

[elkpark]

I've never been offered the opportunity to "shadow" as a potential employee, and I've never asked for it. While many facilities may permit this, many facilities do lots of things they aren't supposed to -- that doesn't mean it's a good idea. I agree that it seems to me this creates many HIPAA and liability issues, and, if I were the responsible person, I wouldn't allow it.

[lisamc1RN, LPN]

Where I work, they even let high school students shadow nurses. HR has them sign a confidentiality form, though.

[itsmejuli]

Be sure to ask for a tour of the facility when you go tomorrow. Check everything out, look carefully at the building, rooms, patients and most of all watch the employees faces and how they interact. You can tell a lot about a place just by paying attention.

[elkpark]

It is perfectly reasonable and legitimate to ask to speak with some of the currently employed staff (privately, without supervisors present) -- that's what I always do. You can get a good idea that way of working conditions, how happy the current staff are about working there, etc. If a facility doesn't want to let you do that, that's a big red flag right there (IMHO).

[southernbeegirl, BSN, RN]

not only HIPAA concerns but also liability concerns for the facility i would think would prevent shadowing. if you are not an employee then you would not fall under their workers comp umbrella, therefore increasing their liability, IMO. i wouldn't allow it either.