putting nurse shadowing down on app

[miraclemd]

I've shadowed both physicians and nurses- would it be appropriate to list the nurse shadowing on AMCAS/TMDSAS?

Thanks!

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[young2sj]

this may sound dumb, but why would you shadow a nurse?
Unless you're doing to be an STNA or CNA, shadowing a nurse isn't really that important?

dunno 100%, i'd see what others say.

 

[miraclemd]

i was looking into a bunch of health-related careers, and nursing was one of them. TMDSAS has a section for 'healthcare experience' which is kind of broad - that's why I wasn't sure.

 

[Tapepsi]

Hmm...I don't know if that's a good idea. Unless you can explain why this will help you when you become a physician, more than likely this experience will be brought up during an interview and can negatively affect you when they ask "Why did you shadow a nurse? Would you be more interested in pursuing a career as a nurse rather than a doctor?" So unless you have a good answer I'd say just skip it.

 

[alwaysaangel]

I wouldn't list it on your AMCAS.

If you're asked "why a physician" you can tell them how you were deciding between multiple fields and shadowed a nurse and decided nursing wasn't for you.

However, it really has no place on AMCAS because its not something that is going to show you what its like to be a physician or make you a better physician.

 

[deleted357625]

i was looking into a bunch of health-related careers, and nursing was one of them. TMDSAS has a section for 'healthcare experience' which is kind of broad - that's why I wasn't sure.

I would list it, there's no possible way that any shadowing that revolves around healthcare can be viewed as negative....Also, nurses play a vital role for physicians as well.

Any clinical experience is fine whether it's a doc/nurse/ in a hospital etc...

Put it down if your wanting too.

 

[LizzyM]

^ I agree that it would be fine to list this activity. It shows that you have made an effort to learn more about one of the other careers in health care and can make a more informed decision to pursue a career in medicine. Having walked a mile (or more) in a nurse's shoes, you also have a better idea of what their day is like and may be more empathetic as you consider things from the nurses' point of view.

 

[longwhorn]

It's just fine, I shadowed nurses and even an RT and put it all on my application. They want to see that you have spent time in a hospital, doesn't matter that it's with a nurse. Plus, I had more fun with the nurses.

 

[Avoidthetiger]

I mentioned shadowing other health care professionals. But they actually let me get somewhats hands on. I actually just realized that I forgot to mention that I have shadowed some nurses (but only about 10 hours or so) - less hands on, also.

As LizzyM says, mention it. That way, when the interview asks "why MD and not another medical career" - you have the reason, and the evidence to back it up. 🙂

 

[ridethecliche]

You're going to be working with nurses as a physician. A LOT.

I can't see that being able to describe what they do and having a better idea of their clinic interactions will be looked down upon.

I'm planning to do this a little with Nurses/NPs.