What would be a good job shadowing?

Can shadowing be done for this career/job?

• I'm intereted in a career switch from sociology to nursing. I would like to do some shadowing with several different nursing specialties to see if I would like the nursing field and if I can handle the blood, being around sick people and gore. How can a prospective nurse gain insight to a nursing field? Is shadowing permitted? If so, what kind of nusing specialties should I be shadowing to get a true feel of what nursing school would be like? What are the pros and cons of the nursing career? I'd appreciate your advice.

• Answer:

  If you would like to see if it is the right field for you, try volunteering at a nursing home or a hospital and shadowing a nurse. They are always looking for volunteers for emotional support. Of course you would have to sign a bunch of HIPPA papers for patient confidentiality but other than that, I believe it will be a good experience for you Pros: Job security! Clinical ladder (you can always advance) Very rewarding for the most part You get to see a whole lot (one of my favorite parts) You can do pretty much any specialty (peds, geriatrics, med/surg, emergency, doctors office....etc) Good pay 12 hour shifts for 3 days = full time Cons: Heavy work load (at times) Sometimes you are sick of the crap you have to put up with the patients and the doctors