Shadowing Opportunities Near Me

College internships provide eligible students with unpaid practical hands-on work experience in a professional health care setting in order to enhance learning. Internships provide career awareness, experience that helps secure future employment, professional networking contacts, makes classroom learning more interesting and helps the student develop self-confidence as they identify skills, abilities, and talents. Students may apply for paid internship positions posted on the Nationwide Children’s career website.

Job Shadowing at Le Bonheur

The job shadow program at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital provides great opportunities for individuals to observe in the healthcare setting for the purpose of career exploration and inspiring future healthcare professionals.

Prospective employees in the interview process and clinical education opportunities or experiences (i.e. externships, contractual internships, elective programs, clinical rotations, etc.) are not included in this program.

Below are some guidelines to help you determine if a job shadowing experience is the right fit for you.

Need to Know Definitions

MLH – Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare

Shadower – An individual who is 18 years of age and not currently enrolled in/graduated from a medical program. Shadowers are considered campus visitors and are not able to work independently, participate in clinical activities or have any hands on contact with patients.

Supervisor – MLH associate taking responsibility for the shadower and ensuring compliance throughout the observation; including, but not limited to:

• Reviewing HIPAA and statement of confidentiality at beginning of first shift
• Coordinating their schedule with department leader
• Ensuring the shadower always has an escort (except for in spaces accessible to the public: lobby, bathroom, cafeteria, etc.)
• Ensuring the shadower does not participate in patient care activities or enter isolation rooms/areas

Leader – MLH manager level leader, or above, who provides direct oversight and management for staffing and shadowers in their specific area.

Hosting Department – MLH area, clinic, unit or department where the supervisor and leader primarily work.

Process for Application

The shadower will identify a host supervisor within their area of interest.

• Observation opportunities are contingent on the parameters established by the hosting department.
• A limited number of shadowing opportunities may be offered to help limit the number of observers on campus at any given time.

Once a supervisor has been identified, the shadower will email the appropriate paperwork to their supervisor 4-6 weeks prior to observation. Note that there are different paths to apply, depending on the length of shadowing:

• One Day Shadowing Form – one-page form for individuals who are shadowing one day, less than eight hours.
• J ob Shadowing Packet – multi-page forms for individuals shadowing more than one day, over eight hours.
  • Job Shadow Schedule Form – with a schedule filled out and appropriate signatures
  • HIPAA and Statement of Confidentiality Form
  • Medical Screening Form and Vaccination Records
    • Two MMR, two varicella, Tdap (less than 10 years old) and Flu (during specified dates)

    The supervisor will obtain approval and signature from their leader, then scan and email the appropriate paperwork to Volunteer and Family Support ( [email protected] ) 3-4 weeks prior to the first observation.

    Volunteer and Family Support will process vaccination records for verification of documentation, with a clearance email being sent to the appropriate parties. Please allow a minimum of 3 weeks for processing.

    Download the Job Shadow Guidelines and Process, HIPAA Privacy Summary and application forms by clicking the buttons below.

    Job Shadowing FAQ

    I am under 18 years old, are there shadowing opportunities for me?

    At this time, our only observation program for adolescents is our VolunTEEN program. This program currently takes place during the summer months, with additional program information available on our website. Search “VolunTEEN” to learn more.

    I am in the application process with MLH and want to coordinate shadowing. Is this the right path to coordinate that opportunity?

    Job shadowing that is connected to the employment process is separate from this program. To job shadow as an employment candidate, the designated supervisor will arrange for the opportunity to observe as part of the employment process, as they deem appropriate.

    How far in advance should I submit my completed Job Shadowing Packet?

    We ask that you turn in your completed packet, with copies of requested vaccination records, 4-6 weeks prior to requested observation timeframe. Packets that are not received within the 4-6 week timeframe may not be processed in time to complete observation at your requested time.

    I’ve submitted my packet, what happens next?

    After submitting a finalized packet, your packet will be reviewed for verification of required elements by the Volunteer and Family Support team. Once all of the elements have been reviewed, a clearance email will be sent to you, your supervisor and their leader. This process may take a few weeks. After receiving the clearance email, you will be ready to start observing.

    Will you help me find a supervisor to observe?

    We ask that each shadowing participant take responsibility to find their own supervisor in an area of interest. Not all departments or units allow for shadowing or may have limited opportunities, so connecting directly with your area of interest allows you and the department/unit to collaborate more effectively.

    I am scheduled to job shadow and have questions about logistics (i.e. parking, dress code, where to meet, etc.). Who do I contact to answer those questions?

    Your supervisor will be the person who is able to answer logistical questions related to your specific area. Each department will have different expectations in relation to logistics. If your supervisor does not provide specific instructions regarding your attire, we encourage wearing business casual with comfortable closed-toe shoes.

    I need to change my job shadow schedule. Who do I contact?

    Your supervisor is the best person to contact to discuss any adjustments to your schedule. Coordinate with them to determine the best way to communicate any schedule changes.

    I am scheduled to shadow and beginning to feel sick. Should I come in to shadow?

    To help us protect our patients, families, associates and providers, we ask that you not come for a job shadow shift if you do not feel well. If you are unsure if you should come to shadow or not, we ask that you err on the side of caution. Communicate with your supervisor to keep them informed.

    I need a form completed to demonstrate proof of job shadowing. Who do I ask to complete that form?

    Your supervisor or their leader may be able to complete that form for you. Be sure to ask if they can verify your shadowing hours prior to completing your shifts.

    I’ve completed my Job Shadowing Packet and want to hand deliver my packet and vaccination records. Is that an option?

    We ask that all information about job shadowing be transmitted through email, to allow for tracking of communication and documents. If there are special accommodations that need to be made, please discuss with your supervisor.

    Job Shadowing and Internships

    Job Shadowing (observorship) at Nationwide Children’s Hospital provides unpaid learning opportunities to help individuals learn about health care career options and skills required in specific occupations. Participants have the opportunity to experience the workplace setting as well as the duties performed by the health care professional they are shadowing.

    Internships provide eligible college students with unpaid practical hands-on work experience in a professional health care setting in order to enhance learning. Internships provide career awareness, experience that helps secure future employment, professional networking contacts, makes classroom learning more interesting and helps the student develop self-confidence as they identify skills, abilities, and talents.

    Learn more about job shadowing and internship opportunities for high school and college students.

    Virtual Shadowing On-Demand

    High School and College Opportunities

    Job Shadowing (observorship) at Nationwide Children’s Hospital provides unpaid learning opportunities to help individuals learn about healthcare career options and skills required in specific occupations.

    Participants have the opportunity to experience the workplace setting as well as the duties performed by the healthcare professional they are shadowing; participants are not permitted to perform work of any kind, including patient care. Shadowing experience is usually one half day to two days in length due to the high number of students.

    General Criteria

    Students must attend a school (college/university or school district) covered by an affiliation agreement. We can check this for you.

    High school: Students must be at least 14 years of age and a current high school student to participate in an observation. Students age 14 or older and in high school may shadow in outpatient clinics and office settings. Student age 16 or older may job shadow in some inpatient areas. Select areas only allow college students.

    Requests must be submitted a minimum of four weeks before the requested date of observation. All Nationwide Children’s paperwork must be completed in full before a student can shadow or intern.

    Professional appearance: business casual, no jeans, hats, T-shirts or open-toe shoes. School uniforms permitted.

    Parking

    Parking is free in our student parking lot located at 430 E. Mound Street and shuttle service is provided to the hospital.

    The Process

    All shadow and internships for high school students must be coordinated by the school. We do not accept individual student requests. Shadowing and internships must be school directed/requirements.

    Shadow and internship coordinators can request opportunities for their students by calling (614) 355-0678 or emailing [email protected]. Email correspondence is highly encouraged.

    Job Shadowing (observorship) at Nationwide Children’s Hospital provides unpaid learning opportunities to help individuals learn about healthcare career options and skills required in specific occupations.

    Participants have the opportunity to experience the workplace setting as well as the duties performed by the healthcare professional they are shadowing; participants are not permitted to perform work of any kind, including patient care. Shadowing experience is usually one half day to two days in length due to the high number of students.

    College internships provide eligible students with unpaid practical hands-on work experience in a professional health care setting in order to enhance learning. Internships provide career awareness, experience that helps secure future employment, professional networking contacts, makes classroom learning more interesting and helps the student develop self-confidence as they identify skills, abilities, and talents. Students may apply for paid internship positions posted on the Nationwide Children’s career website.

    General Criteria

    Students must attend a school (college/university or school district) covered by an affiliation agreement. We can check this for you.

    Requests must be submitted a minimum of four weeks before the requested date of observation. Internship applicants must apply a minimum of six weeks before the requested start date. All Nationwide Children’s paperwork must be completed in full before a student can shadow or intern.

    Professional appearance: business casual, no jeans, hats, T-shirts or open-toe shoes. School uniforms permitted.

    Parking

    Parking is free in our student parking lot located at 430 E. Mound Street and shuttle service is provided to the hospital.

    The Process

    • Priority is given to students who need experiences to graduate (as part of their curriculum), those who require experience to apply for professional school and areas of priority set by individual hospital departments.
    • College students can apply online using the form below. Check with your program. Some programs work through an instructor for placements.
    • Internships MUST be a school requirement (class or requirement for graduation).

    College students only: Please fill out the student shadowing application form linked below.

    For more information, call: (614) 355-0678 or email [email protected].