Offered job shadowing after interview...what does that mean?

[army mommy of three]

I wen to my interview for a cna position and I was scheduled to see the nurse manager and the hr manager separately. My interview with the nurse manager did not lasted more than 20 minutes...(when they said be prepared for two hours..one hour each manager)she expressed having difficulties formulating questions for me since I have no job experience (which was clear on my application-then why they called me?). She ended up asking me if it was okay to do a couple of hours of job shadowing tomorrow (it is for PCU/MED SURG Floor) so I could see how hard is the work there and for her to see if I was a good fit for them as well. Is that normal to happen? Is it a good positive thing? The thing is that when I went back to the HR office to wait for my other interview with the other lady, the front desk tells me it has been cancelled, that they will see me tomorrow for the job shadowing and hopefully they will have some paperwork for me (meaning job offer). I don't get it...is all this good or bad?

I went ahead and applied to a nursing home where I did part of my cna clinical.

[itsmejuli]

Yes, job shadowing is a good thing and exactly what the manager said. They want to see if you are a good fit, if you learn fast and if you learned something in CNA school.

So when you go in, don't stand around. Find out right away who you are buddying with and stick with him/her. Offer to help, ask enough questions but not too many, be useful. And don't complain or be demanding.

Good luck!

[itsnowornever, BSN, RN]

I'd also add, that if you do have a "down" minute, ask a nurse or two if they have vitals they want done or some other such thing (dont ask, "Is there anything I can do for you"....ask for something specific)

[Marshall1]

Job shadowing is becoming more the norm now..even for those of us with experience. Good to keep your options open elsewhere until you have a firm offer.