shadowing opportunity following interview opinions wanted

netglow, ASN, RN · Dec 8, 2010

Is it common to be offered shadowing? Sure, just depends on how that unit/facility wants to do things. Doesn't mean you are tops at anything, just means you are in the running.

Do they want to get an idea if you will fit in? Sure, of course.

Is it a way to see what you know/don't know? Sure, it might be.

All places are different. Some might just want you to stay back, watch, follow, talk. Others will want you in scrubs ready for hands on help. I'd be prepared for the hands on. So fill your pockets, bring your stethoscope, like you were gonna jump in and work. Take note that you are being paired with a preceptor, be friendly, a good listener, not a lot of extraneous chit chat (unless it looks like she likes to chit chat), ask permission before you put your hands anywhere, don't hesitate if you are given the go ahead. Be sure if you do nothing else, you use the hand sanitizer on entry and exit of rooms, and also don gloves/iso as you know to do. Passing over simple stuff like that might bite ya in the butt.

I never got the chance to shadow, but have heard all the above.

roser13, ASN, RN · Dec 8, 2010

I have never heard of a facility that expected a potential employee to jump in and help. Way too much liability in that scenario. The shadow experience is used to ensure that the potential employEE understands the scope of the position, the duties and all other requirements.An employer's worst nightmare would be to interview and hire an employee, only to have that employee quit after an expensive orientation because some of the duties/expectations were not adequately explained in advance. For instance, a potential employee might have difficulties with some of the physical requirements (bending, stooping, lifting, etc.) and can only get a good idea of the position by observing.

evolvingrn, BSN, RN · Dec 8, 2010

anyone in the running at our facility job shadows, they aren't expected to do anything but we give them a good verbal and visual description for actual staff of what they would be doing. Some people shadow and see they don't want to work at our facility, others fall in love and realize its the perfect fit.

BettyBoop01 · Dec 8, 2010

I would treat it as an interview. They are definately looking to see if you will fit in, and they dont extend this to every candidate only the ones they are interested in. This is your position to hold onto! Best of luck! Knock em dead!

GHGoonette, BSN, RN · Dec 8, 2010

Just curious, OP, what kind of department are you shadowing in?

INDIGOSKY · Dec 8, 2010

Thank you everyone for the info. GHGoonette- its an ortho/neuro floor

nurse2033, MSN, RN · Dec 8, 2010

I would take this as a good sign. Not necessarily because they must want you, but because it allows you more info about the job. As another poster noted, they want to make sure this is a good fit for both parties. They can learn a lot about you during this, and you them. Good luck.

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Dec 8, 2010

At least it is a step in the right direction---------- Good luck

Copper4 · Dec 8, 2010

I have requested an opportunity to shadow with a potential employer in the past- I feel it gave me a much better understanding of the expectations of the role I was looking to fill-- I would take it as a good sign- be yourself, ask intelligent questions, and decide if this is a job you would like. Good luck!

INDIGOSKY · Dec 10, 2010

Just got back from my shadowing experience. I was just expected to follow the nurse around and ask her questions as I had them. All of the staff members were very friendly, and they worked well as a team. I think that I would like working there. I'm just so tired from being up this late its all a little hazy. I am supposed to follow up with the manager and tell her if I think its a good fit. I hope I got the staffs seal of approval. The nurse recruiter called me the day after my interview and I about had a stroke. I was expecting her to tell me that they had decided to go with another applicant and there was no longer a reason to shadow. However it was quite the opposite. She told me that I had interviewed very well and pending the results of my background check she would be extending a formal offer. I have never been arrested so that shouldn't be a problem. But I am having a hard time accepting that the job is mine. Its not official yet and they can still change their mind. I'm just afraid of getting my hopes up and being crushed. Thank you to all of you who have read my posts and offered your advice and support it means a great deal to me. Only fellow nurses can understand what this is like, my family doesn't quite get it. They don't understand They think its wAy to complex and drawn out of a process almost inferring that I'm not doing something correctly. They're trying to be supportive but its irritating in a way. Anyways time to get some sleep so I can be clear minded and fresh in the morning when I speak to the manager.. I will keep you posted when I get the official thumbs up or down.

evolvingrn, BSN, RN · Dec 10, 2010

congrats! im glad it went well.! lol family is funny and nursing is a different game. I mentioned that i have a yucky schedule over the holidays and my mother said "oh im sorry....are they trying to get rid of you?" rofl thanks mom. you just roll your eyes and move on.:) congrats again.