Are you fascinated by the world of healthcare and curious about different career paths within it, perhaps even considering a role as a surgical technician? MU Health Care offers an invaluable opportunity to gain firsthand experience through its Job Shadow Program. This program is designed for individuals like you, who are eager to explore the daily realities of various healthcare professions before committing to a specific career or educational path. While this program may not directly focus on a “Mu Health Care Surgical Tech Program”, it provides a fantastic stepping stone to understand if a surgical environment, or healthcare in general, is the right fit for you.
Job shadowing at MU Health Care is an observational experience, meaning you’ll have the chance to follow and closely watch healthcare professionals as they perform their daily tasks. It’s a unique chance to witness the dynamic environment of a hospital, clinic, or healthcare facility and understand the collaborative nature of patient care. This hands-on experience can be incredibly insightful, helping you solidify your career interests and make informed decisions about your future in healthcare.
It’s important to note that the Job Shadow Program is distinct from clinical hours required for academic programs. If you need to fulfill clinical hour requirements for graduation, MU Health Care offers a separate program. You can find more information about that on their Student Vetting page.
MU Health Care’s Job Shadow Program offers two pathways, depending on the duration of your desired experience:
Job Shadowing Opportunities: Choose Your Duration
MU Health Care understands that individuals have different needs and time commitments. Therefore, they offer two types of job shadowing experiences, categorized by duration:
- Short-Term Shadowing (Less than 16 hours): Ideal for a brief introduction to a specific department or role.
- Extended Shadowing (More than 16 hours): Provides a more immersive experience for those seeking a deeper understanding.
Let’s explore each option in more detail:
Option 1: Job Shadowing for Less Than 16 Hours
This option is perfect if you want a shorter, focused glimpse into a particular healthcare profession. The shadowing duration is capped at 16 hours per calendar year, with hours resetting every January 1st.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be 16 years of age or older.
- For applicants under 18, parent/guardian permission is required.
- Preceptor or department approval is necessary to confirm your shadowing opportunity.
- Successful completion of vetting requirements to ensure a safe environment for everyone.
- Official authorization email from the MU Health Care Job Shadow Program confirming your clearance to participate.
How to Participate in the Less Than 16-Hour Program:
- Department Contact: The first step is to directly contact the department you are interested in shadowing. A comprehensive list of department contacts is available [here](insert link if available, otherwise remove this bracketed instruction).
- Confirmation and Scheduling: Once you’ve connected with a department and they’ve agreed to host you, confirm the details of your shadowing opportunity, including specific dates and times.
- Clinician Nexus Profile: Create a profile on Clinician Nexus, a platform used to manage the job shadowing program.
- Refer to the User Manual for step-by-step guidance on navigating the platform.
- When creating your profile and applying for the job shadowing opportunity, select “Student” as your role, even if you are not currently enrolled in a traditional academic program.
- Complete all mandatory application steps within Clinician Nexus diligently.
Important Deadline: Ensure all required paperwork is submitted at least four business days before your scheduled observation period begins. Once all steps are completed and your application is processed, you will receive notification regarding your authorization badge, which you will need for your shadowing experience.
Option 2: Job Shadowing for More Than 16 Hours
For those seeking a more in-depth and extended observational experience, the “More Than 16 Hours” program offers a greater immersion into the healthcare setting.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
- Preceptor or department approval is mandatory.
- Successful completion of all vetting requirements and steps.
- Authorization email from the MU Health Care Job Shadow Program confirming clearance.
Program Duration: Assignments for this program conclude on December 31st of each year. If you wish to extend your shadowing experience beyond this date, it is crucial to contact the Job Shadow Program at least two weeks prior to December 31st to inquire about extension possibilities.
How to Participate in the More Than 16-Hour Program:
- Department Inquiry: Begin by contacting the department where you are interested in shadowing. Inquire directly about opportunities for extended shadowing. A list of department contacts can be found [here](insert link if available, otherwise remove this bracketed instruction).
- Vetting Process Initiation: Upon approval from the hosting department, they will initiate the vetting process within 60 days of your scheduled start date. The department will guide you through the necessary steps for vetting.
Professional Appearance: Dress Code Guidelines
To maintain a professional and respectful environment within MU Health Care facilities, all Job Shadow Program participants are expected to adhere to the dress code.
Required Attire:
- Shoes: Closed-toe shoes are mandatory for safety reasons in healthcare environments.
- Attire: Business casual attire is generally expected. Scrubs may be permitted if specifically approved by the department or preceptor you are shadowing.
Items to Avoid:
- Jeans are not considered appropriate business casual attire in this context.
- High heels should be avoided for comfort and safety, especially if you will be on your feet for extended periods.
- Strong fragrances such as cologne or perfume are discouraged as they can be bothersome to patients and staff, especially those with sensitivities.
Department-Specific Guidelines: Remember that individual departments and employees may have additional dress code guidelines. It’s always best to confirm specific requirements with your department contact when arranging your shadowing dates and times to ensure you are appropriately dressed.
Parking Information for Job Shadow Participants
Navigating parking at a large healthcare complex can be confusing. Here’s what you need to know about parking during your job shadowing experience at MU Health Care:
- MU Students with Permits: If you are a current MU student and already have a parking permit, you should park in your regular permitted parking area.
- MU Students Without Permits: Current MU students who do not have a parking permit will need to purchase a standard student permit online. Visitor permits are not available for current MU students.
- Non-Students: Visitors and non-students can purchase parking permits through the parking website. You can also utilize parking meters located on campus. To purchase a permit online, click on the Tiger Park Portal and create a visitor account.
- Day Permits: Alternatively, visitors can purchase a day permit in person by stopping at the parking office.
Parking Assistance: For any further questions or clarification regarding parking, please don’t hesitate to contact MU Parking and Transportation via email at [email protected] or by phone at 573-882-4568. They are available to assist you with any parking-related inquiries.
Ready to Explore Healthcare at MU Health Care? Contact Us
If you have any further questions about the MU Health Care Job Shadow Program, or need additional assistance, please reach out to the program via email at MU Health Care Job Shadow Program. Please use the subject line “Job Shadow – Additional Assistance” to ensure your inquiry is directed to the correct team.
Taking part in a job shadow program at MU Health Care is a fantastic way to explore the diverse and rewarding world of healthcare. Whether you are interested in becoming a surgical technician or exploring other allied health professions, this program can provide valuable insights and help you take the first step towards your future career.
