1. Stay out of the OT's way, if you are in a setting like acute care (hospital); along those lines, don't be a distraction to the clients they are working with. As a rule, especially when working in an environment with children, or with anyone in a wheelchair, sit down - be at their level, even if you are not interacting with them. It is okay to speak to the clients as is appropriate (or you might end up with the OT rating you lower on people skills because you didn't engage), but use your judgment and do not interrupt the session. If the client talks to you, talk back; they often like to hear why you're there observing!
2. You don't necessarily have to take notes, but be sure to ask lots of questions - when it is appropriate to do so, of course (after you have finished watching them treat a client, generally). Of course, if the OT asks you a question while they're working, feel free to answer them.
3. When the OT introduces you to a client, if they do not specifically say to the client "is it all right if s/he observes", you should do so yourself. Simply say "nice to meet you, is it all right with you if I observe?". Most people are fine with it. Use your judgment and stay out of sight if they are toileting, and depending on the scenario, in various states of undress, though in the hospital, you are going to see a lot of body parts - get used to it.
4. I shouldn't have to say this, but show up on time - and by on time, I mean a little bit early. Do not ask to leave late - wait until they dismiss you. Similarly, do not ask for a lunch break - take one when they do. Know that in some settings, you may not get one. Dress professionally with comfortable, but professional looking shoes - if you are female, avoid any jewelry except small studs or if you wear a wedding band, it will be fine. You will likely not be hands on with anyone, but if you are asked to push a chair, hold bedsheets, etc, it's just better. No perfume, as people can be sensitive, tasteful makeup, and be sure nothing hangs out when you bend over, on either the top or the bottom. No cleavage or whale tail, please. Observe all universal precautions at the facility, such as hand-washing, use of gloves, even if you are not touching anything, etc.
Look for as many different settings as you can - hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and private pediatric clinics will often let you shadow, though you may have to do a lot of cold-calling and calling multiple times, if you keep getting voice mail (and follow up with email too). If you have the opportunity to observe at a more specialized setting like a hand clinic, hippotherapy, mental health facility, school system, vocational center, or VA hospital, take it (as long as you are shadowing an OT, of course). Take whatever hours a facility will give you, even if it's just one day. It's better to have your hours spread out over a few different settings versus all in one; that way you get a chance to see all of the different applications of the profession, as well as show some diversity on your application.
Hope this helps!
