Where Are The Best Places To Shadow As A Practical Nurse

For example, while shadowing, you can witness the progression of care of a patient. Because there's such a demand for practical nurses, finding a shadow opportunity shouldn't be difficult if you know where to look.

The following are a few of the reasons why you should look into a shadow opportunity as a practical nurse:

Work With a Professional Nurse

In a shadow opportunity, you can learn a lot from whatever practical nurse you're shadowing. Most nurses are more than happy to help share their knowledge and experience -- and you'll get to see exactly what it's like to be a practical nurse on a day-to-day basis.

Learn How to Work With Other Professionals

You'll have a chance to work with a group of different people, which will give you a better understanding of the different types of medical professionals you'll be working with and what their responsibilities are.

Build Confidence

It will give you the chance to see clinical skills in action, which in turn can help to not only improve your skills but to boost your confidence as well. Armed with a stronger confidence in your skills, you'll be better positioned to succeed once you secure a real job as a practical nurse.

Networking Opportunities

Show off how hard you're willing to work. Shadowing allows you to build relationships with the people you're working with. It could turn into a job opportunity at the very place you interned if they were happy with the work you did. Even if there aren't positions open at the place you shadowed, there's a very good chance that the relationships you built can result in some very valuable referrals.

Where to Get a Practical Nurse Internship

You might be surprised at the number of places where you could receive an internship as a practical nurse or shadow an existing practical nurse. The following are some of the places you should look into near you:

Nursing Homes

A nursing home will give you a chance to interact with tons of patients. You'll no doubt improve your ability to communicate as you help residents stay healthy. Responsibilities may include helping them take their medications, advising them on exercise habits and diets, and more.

Schools

While there may not always be a position available following an externternship at a high school or college, these settings offer a good opportunity to shadow the nurse working there as they deal with students and the various illnesses and injuries that they may experience throughout the day.

Home Health Agencies

Home health agencies send practical nurses to the homes of their patients. You could potentially shadow a nurse as they visit their patients at their homes.

Hospitals

If you're interested in eventually working in a hospital setting, then interning or shadowing at a hospital is a good idea. You'll get to work with all types of patients as well as a wide variety of medical professionals -- and there's a good chance of being able to secure a job at the hospital you intern at.

An internship or shadow opportunity can be an excellent way to improve your skills, obtain valuable referrals and figure out where you eventually want to work. Find out more about our practical nursing program by visiting us at the Athena Career Academy today.