Hi everyone!I'm a pre-nursing, recent UCLA graduate interested in shadowing a nurse for a day. I've been calling hospitals and clinics like crazy but it seems almost impossible to shadow a nurse without being a nursing student... Are there any nurses out there in the San Diego to Riverside area that would be kind enough to help me? I'd really, really appreciate it. :)Thank you,socalprenurse08
Medic2RN, BSN, RN, EMT-P 1,576 Posts Specializes in ER, IICU, PCU, PACU, EMS. Has 17 years experience. Oct 24, 2012 Moved to the California Nursing forum for more of a response.
SoCalGalRN 106 Posts Oct 25, 2012 I've never heard of this and for liability purposes, I don't think it would be possible. Nurses are covered under the hospital's insurance and nursing students are covered under the school's insurance. I think you would be better off just interviewing some nurses at this point.
gunrock 164 Posts Oct 25, 2012 Liability should not be an issue, they shouldn't be doing any direct or indirect patient care while shadowing. I shadowed before school. The only thing you really should have to do is sign a HIPPA waiver. I've heard of plenty of people shadowing. The best way is going to be getting in touch with a nurse directly or a nurse manager. Sorry I'd offer to let you shadow but I'm out of the state at the moment. Good luck.
socalprenurse08 12 Posts Oct 28, 2012 Thank you guys! I'll keep trying and look into the HIPPA agreement. I really hope that something comes up! :)
sd-ace 70 Posts Specializes in Med/Surg. Nov 5, 2012 Try volunteering at a hospital. That way you can ask the nurses questions, help out with patient requests, etc. Typically, privacy policies may prohibit you from shadowing, but volunteering once a week is a great way to build your resume and immerse yourself into the environment.
SnowBunnee 3 Posts Aug 25, 2013 Hello there, I am also interested in shadowing a nurse in the area. I've been finding it difficult too to get in touch with someone whom I can shadow. Could you offer any assistance or advice? I would much appreciate it! Thanks!