Why can't I shadow a nurse...

FurmanGirl · Nov 16, 2005

Hey! First of all, some nursing programs require that you have some sort of healthcare/volunteer experience to ensure that you've been exposed to what it's really like. It's basically to weed out people who think they want to be in healthcare, but have never actually seen what it's really like. A lot of people say they want to, and then after being exposed to it, change their mind. As far as shadowing, I had a hellavu time doing it. It took MONTHS. My local hospital requires that you be sponsored by your school, they won't let you just walk off the street and shadow their nurses. There also usually has to be a specified purpose, for me, I had to have it for a course requirement (Biology internship of your choice). And b/c I wasn't a nursing student, I had to go through tons of paperwork and have them in constant contact with my advisor from school. Most of the same requirements are needed to volunteer as to shadow, Neg TB screening, training videos and test, orientation, etc. It's not an easy or quick process, but if you want/need the experience, it's totally worth it. I actually wish more schools required it, around here they don't. If they did, they would have already weeded out the people who are unsure, rather than after a semester or two, at which time their spot can't be replaced. What you need to do first and foremost is call the volunteer office where you'd like to volunteer and fill out an application, find out what needs to be done. Also, ask them if they know (or know who would know) how to go about shadowing. It takes a lot of running around, but be persistent. Hope that helps! Good luck!

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Nov 16, 2005

What kind of responses have you gotten when inquiring about shadowing a nurse or PA?

Anyhow, best wishes to you. :)

lancerRN2b · Nov 16, 2005

I talked to the nursing dept at the University. I asked if there is anyway the university hospital would allow an outsider to shadow an RN or to volunteer. The person I talked to said no due to privacy issues. Also I know an LVN who tried to find out for me if I could shadow one of her friends....same answer. Should I keep calling around different hospitals or accept the inevitable. Any way around this? I was thinking about being an ER tech or volunteer, but not sure what position will expose me closest to an RN. Im stumped... :uhoh3:

FurmanGirl · Nov 16, 2005

If you're a student and could possibly take a class that allows you to do an independent study/internship, the hospital will more than likely work with you. I'd call the hospital directly. Either way you would have to sign a confidentiality agreement. Volunteers have to do this as well.

lancerRN2b · Nov 22, 2005

So I figure if I volunteer at a hospital and sign the privacy agreement(which is probably what would happen), I can have a better chance shadowing later. 1. I will be in the area and 2. I have already signed an agreement. Is this right? If so, I am going to be calling some hospitals today...

Q. · Nov 22, 2005

Here at my institution we allow observational experiences all the time. We just have the person sign a form regarding confidentiality etc.

Forget the school and contact a local hospital - ask for the Education Department and explain you want to observe a nurse/PA, etc. They will get you hooked up.

Peachy720 · Nov 22, 2005

I volunteer in the ICU at the local hospital..

Everyone there has been really great about letting me see things--I even helped prepare a patient for the morgue on my first day (wow, if that wasn't a jump into the deep end, I don't know what is!:stone )

The only place I was told I was not allowed is where there were sedated patients...hope that helps!