Shadowing / Observing NPs

[mmpark]

Hi,

I'm planning on applying to masters entry NP programs, and while hospital/clinic volunteering has been relatively easy to find, I'm finding it impossible to find NPs to shadow. It's clear why (patient privacy, etc.), but then how are we supposed to find clinical observation experience? Is anyone else running into this problem? If so, how are you dealing with it? Any advice would be really great!

-Michelle

[dedicatedone]

One of the ways that I was able to secure observation experience was to reach out to local clinics (free/low income). I called every single clinic and a couple were more then willing to allow observation in exchange for me to volunteer some time (i.e. patient chart filing, program development, clerical work). I would say write a letter of intent to volunteer/shadow and drop it off, mail, email out to any many healthcare facilities as possible. You would be surprised how many are willing to help out students.