Shadowing on First Day of On-Floor Training

[purplegal]

So, I know that people often shadow nurses when they are students or are looking for a job. However, has anyone ever been told that their first day of on the floor training would be shadowing a nurse only? I know there are other threads about shadowing but they seem to pertain to students or people in the interview process, not those who already have the position, like I do.

What I am wondering is, what should I expect to do during my shadow day? They told me that on the second day, after my shadow day, they "may let me assist them a bit." Does this mean I can expect to only observe my first day? Or do you think I should still offer to help with tasks such as vitals, transferring, etc? What are some tips to show them that I am very interested in the job, getting involved, and that I am not there to let them do all the work? I know when I was a student I did not do anything when I shadowed nurses, but I am just wondering how this may be different since I've already been hired.

[nursej22, MSN, RN]

You will most likely be getting oriented to the floor, the flow of the unit, some routine procedures and the like. I would bring a notebook to jot down notes, questions to look up or ask at a convenient time. You could certainly offer, but don't let that distract you from familiarizing your self with the unit.

[Pangea Reunited, ASN, RN]

Yes, that's common ...especially for new graduates. As far as what you can expect to do, that depends on you and the nurse you're paired with. You typically won't have your own patients, but I doubt you'll go the whole shift without actually doing anything. Make sure you take your stethoscope and any other tools you might need.

[wutwereutinkin]

I agree with the above posters.

I just started my job last week and my first shift was a shadow shift. I basically followed my preceptor around and helped out with small things where I could. I did not have my own patients, do my own assessments, chart, or pull meds. I did help toilet/bathe, ambulate, get water, answer *some* call lights and pass PO meds. I was primarily focused on seeing how the unit flowed, facility/unit specifics, what would be expected of me, how the equipment works, how they chart, etc. I also had a "scavenger" hunt I was required to complete (where are the fire extinguishers, code cart...). It kind of reminded me of the first day of clinicals at a new facility.

I didn't mind because I definitely learn best by watching and seeing everything first, then jumping in and doing. So I feel much comfortable going into my next shifts about what to expect.

I think for your first day you should definitely go in with a good attitude. Smile and introduce yourself to everyone you meet. I'm sure they know you're interested in the job, but they also know that you're new and you don't know what you don't know. They know you'll need some time to learn, so as long as you have a positive attitude, respond well to constructive criticism, and show interest you'll do great.

Best of luck!

[westieluv]

I think being able to shadow the first day is very valuable. It would be much more stressful to start out hands on when you don't yet know where anything is, who anyone is, etc. I have had jobs where I shadowed the first day and it helped me immensely just getting a feel for the place and how it runs without the pressure of having to jump in and do things. Consider yourself lucky, especially since the new normal, at least in some types of facilities, is to give nurses almost no orientation and let them figure it out as they go.

[AceOfHearts<3]

My first 2 days on my unit after completing classroom orientation were spent shadowing. I wasn't expected to do too much, but I did jump in and help. I think it was my second day one of the aides needed help with a bed bath and I jumped in to help since everyone else was busy, but nothing was going on that I would have benefited from observing. I think helping with things like that showed I didn't think myself above those tasks and helped me start on a good foot with all the aides. Good luck!