In almost all of the labs I've taken as an undergrad my labs have had no windows. I have no idea if it's dark outside or raining or what...I was just wondering...is it the same in the "real world"?
Teaching labs usually don't have windows as it detracts from projection ability, etc. Path labs sometimes have windows. None of our signout rooms have them, most of the windows belong to faculty offices, although in our hospital the chemistry and micro labs have lots of windows.
I think it depends on the hospital, a lot of times the path department is stuck somewhere out of the way, but sometimes it isn't.
Attending offices sometimes have windows. Depends on the architecture of the hospital, and luck of the draw. If you're a newbie and the hospital is stretched and you're put in what used to be the photocopier room, then chances are no windows.
Gross rooms are frequently surrounded by operating rooms to facilitate intraoperative consultations, so few windows there - at least not those that look outside.
I like high-rise "blocky" hospitals for that reason. Usually lots of windows. You might not see much of the windows while on clinical services, since most will be eaten up by patient rooms. But I've seen an instance where a department had pathology attendings' offices around the perimeter, taking up an entire wing of a particular hospital floor: awesome window-rich real estate there.
In almost all of the labs I've taken as an undergrad my labs have had no windows. I have no idea if it's dark outside or raining or what...I was just wondering...is it the same in the "real world"?
I've worked in labs with and without windows. Like deschutes says, it depends on the hospital. If windows are extremely important to you, I'm sure you could look for them as you interview and look for jobs.
I've had friends with research labs on the top floors of buildings with beautiful views of the coast and such, and i've been stuck in labs in converted attic space with no windows. It all depends. You could always take lunch outside...