Observers /Job Shadows

Job shadows are a way to observe the responsibilities of someone working in a field that interests you. Anyone looking to do a job shadow or observation is responsible for locating someone to shadow (this person is called a sponsor). Please review the steps below to learn more about the observer/job shadow process.

1. Locate a sponsor for your observation experience.

The best way to locate a sponsor is to talk to someone you know that works at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. If you don't already know someone at the hospital, try browsing our Program and Clinics to narrow down your search. Contact the specialty that most closely matches your area of interest to inquire if a job shadow opportunity would be available. Some areas do not accept job shadows except under special circumstances, such as the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Physical/Occupational Therapy.

Please note: There is no guarantee that an employee will be able and willing to sponsor a job shadow or observation experience.

Job shadows are set up on a case-by-case basis with the department you're visiting, but most experiences last for about 4 hours on a given day. You should discuss the observer/job shadow arrangement with your sponsor to figure out a time that works best for both of you. More information can be found in the Observer/Job Shadow Policy, which is the first four pages of the job shadow paperwork.

2. Fill out the observer paperwork. The form can be downloaded by clicking here.

The following health documentation must be submitted with your paperwork.

a.     Proof of immunity to Rubella, Rubeola and Mumps, regardless of age.

• Documented history of 2 MMR's OR
• Documentation of positive Rubella, Rubeola and Mumps titre

b.    Proof of TB skin test done within the last 12 months with negative results.

• If TB skin test positive, documented report of a negative chest x ray must be on file. In addition, TB symptom survey must be on file and updated annually.

c.     Proof of immunity to Varicella:

• Documented history of 2 Varicella vaccines OR
• Positive Varicella titre OR
• Documented history (from a health care provider) of chicken pox or shingles

Please note: It can take a while to gather your necessary health documentation and get all the required signatures in place. Please allow at least 30 days to complete this process.

3. Submit your paperwork to the correct department for processing.

Please see the chart below to determine what pages of the paperwork to fill out and who will process it.

The employee I will be shadowing is a:	Pages to fill out:	Contact:
Physician Dentist Physician Assistant Nurse Practitioner Psychologist	5-7 and 11	Medical Staff Services (414) 266-2400 Email
Nurse Therapist Social Worker Any other health care professional or employee	8-11	Educational Services (414) 266-2209 Email

Please download the orientation information for the checklist on page 11 by clicking here.

Once Educational Services or Medical Staff Services has confirmed that your paperwork is complete, you will receive information about picking up an observer badge.

For any additional questions that weren't answered on this web page, please contact Educational Services at (414) 266-2209.