My Shadow is MISSING!

DragonflyShell · Aug 14, 2005

I have shadowed an LPN as a nusring student and have also shadowed a nurse's aide in the past. When you shadow, you don't do anything but "shadow" them. Follow where ever they go and observe. It is a good opportunity to observe what their day is like and a great opportunity to ask questions. Good luck and have fun.

Shell :)

meownsmile, BSN, RN · Aug 14, 2005

I agree, dont try to help. Legally you shouldnt be doing anything for any patients. Go observe, listen to report with her, watch her interact with the patients and environment and how others on the unit interact with each other. It will be very clear very fast if it isnt a cooperative environment.

NurCrystal22 · Aug 14, 2005

I have shadowed an LPN as a nusring student and have also shadowed a nurse's aide in the past. When you shadow, you don't do anything but "shadow" them. Follow where ever they go and observe. It is a good opportunity to observe what their day is like and a great opportunity to ask questions. Good luck and have fun.
Shell :)

Hey, thanks for the advice! I hope it goes well!

~Crystal

NurCrystal22 · Aug 14, 2005

I agree, dont try to help. Legally you shouldnt be doing anything for any patients. Go observe, listen to report with her, watch her interact with the patients and environment and how others on the unit interact with each other. It will be very clear very fast if it isnt a cooperative environment.

Oh I see, so legally I CANT help, that makes since because obviously I won't be working there, oh... what if they ASK for help? A polite no should suffice. Well, thanks for the advice.

~Crystal

78BugRN · Aug 14, 2005

Yeah, it's missing, but only because I'm going to be someone elses on Tuesday. I need some advice and help. I'm thinking about taking a part time job on a med/surg floor in a hospital. I'm REALLY nervous about it because I'm a new nurse (LPN) and I currently work in LTC. On Tuesday, I have to Shadow a nurse, this is an opportunity for me to see if I'll like the floor and if the other nurses like me (can we work together). Well, does that mean I'll just be following the nurse around? Am I allowed to help her? And I don't want to be in her way, or "brown-nosing", "sucking-up", or being OVERLY nice to everyone so they tell the DON that I'm "nice", but at the same time, if I like the floor then I really want the job. I guess I'm looking for advice, what questions I should ask, what I should DO, and what is a day like on a med/surg floor. Anything you guys have to say would be greatly appreciated. YOU ALL ARE GREAT!
~Crystal

I just spent a day last week shadowing a nurse on the floor I'll be starting on soon. Most of the day is just watching the routine of a new place (meds, pyxis, doc's, charting, breaks, staff interaction.) Ask lots of questions about procedure, routine, how-to's, expectations, etc. Try to get to know the staff. Talk to people on breaks and lunch to see if you think you fit. I had a blast with the group I'm going to be working with and the routine seems pretty straightforward. My big project is to learn their charting system.

renerian, BSN, RN · Aug 15, 2005

I checked out this thread thinking shadow was maybe a missing pet cat......

Missed the boat.......

renerian

live4today, RN · Aug 15, 2005

I checked out this thread thinking shadow was maybe a missing pet cat......
Missed the boat.......
renerian

:rotfl: Me too renerian. I once had a pet named "Shadow"...:rotfl:

Now that I know what the poster is asking about, I can say that everyone has already given you great advice, and the appropriate definition of what shadowing means. :)

NurCrystal22 · Aug 15, 2005

I checked out this thread thinking shadow was maybe a missing pet cat......
Missed the boat.......
renerian

:rotfl: LOL :rotfl: no my kitten is safe, his name is midnight. Just nervous about a job opportunity.

~Crystal

NurCrystal22 · Aug 15, 2005

can anyone tell me what to expect ahead of time on a med/surg floor. I mean, I remember for clinicals but actually working there is much different. THANK YOU!

~Crystal

mandrews · Aug 15, 2005

can anyone tell me what to expect ahead of time on a med/surg floor. I mean, I remember for clinicals but actually working there is much different. THANKS
~Crystal

It really depends on what your doing. At my hospital LPN's give meds, and work in the nursery. At the beginning of shift everyone goes to report. I have found that most everyone likes to help the new person. There is usually one exception. I smiled politely and thanked her for her time.

Unless you are going to be giving scheduled meds I would not ask the med nurse alot of questions. They have a very detail oriented job and can not be interrupted. I said, " I know your busy and I would love to learn more about your job when you have a minute." I'm an RN so I have to give my own IVP meds.

I like med/surg because you learn alot about alot of different illnesses. You are not just cardio, L&D, etc. Your preceptor will tell you what to expect. You will do great!!

melissa

NurCrystal22 · Aug 15, 2005

It really depends on what your doing. At my hospital LPN's give meds, and work in the nursery. At the beginning of shift everyone goes to report. I have found that most everyone likes to help the new person. There is usually one exception. I smiled politely and thanked her for her time.
Unless you are going to be giving scheduled meds I would not ask the med nurse alot of questions. They have a very detail oriented job and can not be interrupted. I said, " I know your busy and I would love to learn more about your job when you have a minute." I'm an RN so I have to give my own IVP meds.
I like med/surg because you learn alot about alot of different illnesses. You are not just cardio, L&D, etc. Your preceptor will tell you what to expect. You will do great!!
melissa

THANKS so much for the advice and encouragement.

~Crystal