Shadowing NP's

rj_gunner · May 7, 2015

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any advice? anyone? I really don't want to make a fool of myself emailing people who will probably never email me back, anyone have any suggestions? :whistling:

Alwystdnt86 · May 7, 2015

Not sure how helpful this is but I have had an opportunity to meet several NP's and PA's by volunteer work. I applied last year at a hospital and got placed in the Heart ICU. I'm constantly around RN's, doctors and all sorts of medical staff. Some days are too busy to converse with the NP's but I have had an opportunity to ask them questions about their field and career choice. It might be an opportunity to even shadow some. It really depends. I've heard of some people just scheduling appointments with them too and asking them then. That way, at least they are being paid for that time. Good luck. Hope you get the opportunity to shadow an NP.

rj_gunner · May 7, 2015

Totally helpful! Thanks! I have been talking to RNs at work, which is great. They have given me tons of advice about schools, what to look for, what to avoid, etc. But I'm not sure if its just the department but I feel there are no NP's in inpatient in neurology. But thats completely false since I transcribe orders/labs and see NP written next to so many names :/

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · May 7, 2015

The NP (whether employed by the facility or not) would have to have permission of the organization before arranging any type of observation (shadowing). There are many potential areas of liability, particularly if there is someone 'extra' (not actually involved in the patients' care) that is observing highly confidential (read legally protected) interactions and information. Many organizations do not allow "shadowing" unless it is sponsored by a school that will accept responsibility for the associated liability. As a result, individual requests are simply declined.

MallysMama · May 7, 2015

I agree with what HouTx said- there's definitely some red tape to go through in order to shadow. But if you already work for the hospital- I think it would be easier than if you didn't.

I find it interesting that where you work you haven't seen NPs much in neuro. I've found the opposite to be true of the places I've worked. Neuro seems to have a higher percentage of NPs. (I even shadowed one when deciding I wanted to go back for my MSN.)

Once you find one where you work- I would recommend emailing them first. That way you don't interrupt them if they're busy. They can get back to you when they have time. Just express your interest and what your future goals might be. Let them know you'd like to see what they typically do on a daily basis. Never hurts to ask! The worst that can happen is that they tell you that they can't help you.

Good luck!

rj_gunner · May 7, 2015

Thanks for the advice MallysMama! I think that might be the best bet. Won't know till I try right? And HouTx trust I know, last thing I want to be is a added liability. I have shadowed other health professionals before and have a few years worth of handle sensitive HIPAA info. I know its common for pre meds to shadow physicians I just wanted to make sure shadowing a NP wasn't a weird thing to do. . . some schools even ask about shadowing experiences now so I just want to cover all my bases and ofcourse ensure that NP is right for me, above all.

rj_gunner · Jul 13, 2015

**update!!!

I actually work with a part time RN, who is a Neuro NP at a hospital outside the city! I'm beyond excited, I shadow her in a few weeks!

Thanks for all the advice, looks like all I had to do was chat with my nurses to figure out who does what and how many NP's still work as floor RN's . :) Thanks for all your help.