Who to Contact to Shadow Nursing Professions

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I graduated last year with a BS in a non-nursing related field and after working full time in Human Resources (Employee Benefits) for a year I've decided that there is no way I can sit in a cubicle and push paper for the rest of my career. Working in the medical field has always been of interest to me and recently have been thinking about going back to school to become a RN and getting a BSN. Before I make this career change and commit myself to more schooling I really want to be sure that this is a profession that I will want to stick with for the rest of my career years. I think the best way to get a feel for the nursing profession would be to shadow, but I'm not sure who to contact to set up shadowing. I live in the Dallas area so any help would be greatly appreciated.

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Specializes in Oncology.

I have not shadowed anyone outside of nursing school, and I'm not aware of any programs in specific that would set you up with that. What I would encourage you to do is contact a hospital or facility about volunteering. I know that there are volunteers in pediatrics and ER of the hospital where I do my clinicals, and they do very simple things but mostly have time to just stand around the floor. However, it could give you the opportunity to observe what the health care staff does and form a relationship with some of the nurses to where one might allow you to shadow her one day.

A smaller commitment to the nursing world is through a Certified Nursing Assistant certificate/licensure, which would allow you to perform some direct care tasks. It can give you an idea of if the health care system is right for you as well, since you'll observe the dynamics.

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Read some of the stories on here. That might help you make a decision.

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I shadowed nursing, respiratory, and radiology. I went and applied to be a volunteer and explained what I was wanting to do. I had to take a drug test and a TB test. After my background check cleared and my tests came back clear I was allowed to volunteer. For the nursing, the coordinator called around and found a floor that would allow me to follow nurses around and to help with things. I was allowed to bring drinks, supplies, and things for the patients and change beds. The nurses, when they had time, would show me some things that go on and explain some of their duties. I spent about 6 months volunteering for one floor and really enjoyed getting to know the nurses. Maybe you could offer to volunteer if they will let you shadow in the areas you are interested in.

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Another vote for volunteering at a local hospital. That was some of the earliest and most valuable hospital experience that I got. In between folding linens and assembling registration packets, I got the chance to observe nurses, physicians and other providers at work.

An EMT course might be another option to explore. At the Basic level, it's a course that can be easily completed within one semester part-time. Your clinical exposure will be minimal (a few shifts really) at first, but EMT certification will provide you with training that could translate into additional paid opportunities as you look into a path in nursing.

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

Many hospitals will not allow shadowing unless you are already a student, due to confidentiality for patients. There is also a risk of you getting infected or injured, so risk managment may not allow. Volunteering or working in some capacity at a hospital is about as close as you might get. Good luck!

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Specializes in Intermediate care.

I don't believe they allow shadowing anymore due to patient confidentiality, but i could be wrong. it is just something i have never seen happen or heard of. Unless you are a student already in a nursing program i don't forsee that happening. Patient confidentiality is HUGE.

Perhaps you could sit down and talk with a nurse and ask questions to see what it is like.

Another thing i would HIGHLY suggest is becoming a CNA or getting certified as one, because this will help you in nursing school, you could get a job as a CNA and observe the nurses then.

If i know a CNA is in nursing school i will grab them for things i need help with (i.e. having them be a second pair of hands for me during NG tube insertion or catheter insertion etc.)

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I am a nurse manager and am contacted regularly about shadowing. I interview the person in question to see what he/she is interested in and to see what kind of person they are. Afterwards they go to the volunteer services to fill out paperwork (confidentiality statement etc). This is usually just a one day shadowing. If you would like more exposure, the volunteer way is the best.

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just became a member and am looking for a place to practice for my skills test went to Skagit Valley college last Jan. 2014 completed certified nurses aid course in mar.2014 went to Seattle to take state test and past written but failed my skills test need to study and practice skills so I can pass my skills test need hospital bed and equipment to have hands on practice, need someone to help me please.I am studying to be in home caregiver. Been working with disabled people for about 5 years and have a client who I have been working with and need to complete as soon as possible so I can to continue to be her care giver. love working with elderly and disabled people and want to continue to give them the best care that I can. please help,I live in oak harbor Wa need some place to practice please email me if have any advice on where to go.

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Specializes in Oncology.
just became a member and am looking for a place to practice for my skills test went to Skagit Valley college last Jan. 2014 completed certified nurses aid course in mar.2014 went to Seattle to take state test and past written but failed my skills test need to study and practice skills so I can pass my skills test need hospital bed and equipment to have hands on practice, need someone to help me please.I am studying to be in home caregiver. Been working with disabled people for about 5 years and have a client who I have been working with and need to complete as soon as possible so I can to continue to be her care giver. love working with elderly and disabled people and want to continue to give them the best care that I can. please help,I live in oak harbor Wa need some place to practice please email me if have any advice on where to go.

Many hospitals will hire aids without the CNA. You'd get tons of experience that way.

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