Shadowing

Please read the Shadow Visitor Policies. (please note that there are multiple HIPAA modules. Please make sure the visitor is directed to the Shadow Module and not the Med School HIPAA test)

Send an email to Volunteer Services with the following information:

• Name of Shadow Visitor
• Preceptor's Name, Department, and Contact Phone Number
• Date(s) of the visit - beginning and ending (not to exceed 6 weeks)

Emails must be received at least 24 hours in advance.

As a shadow visitor, you will have the opportunity to observe UNC Rehabilitation Therapy practitioners. Due to the high demand for shadow hours, we are limiting all experiences to three (3 hour each) blocks per shadow visitor per calendar year. Shadow opportunities are for undergraduate students only.

View the calendar below to request the discipline/area of practice you would like to observe. Please do not select dates more than 3 months out. Please be aware that the team you select to shadow with may need to cancel and reschedule your appointment depending on the needs of the team and clients on caseloads.

Each team will try to give, but cannot guarantee, you at least 24 hours advanced notice if your session needs to be rescheduled. If we have to reschedule your shadow experience, we will not count that missed session against you. However, if you do not call or no show we will count the missed session as used.

Rules for Shadowing

No cellphone use during patient observations.

Everyone is required to review and follow the hospital’s dress code policy.

We ask that you send an email to Volunteer Services.

In this email, please include the following:

• Contact information
  • Name
  • Telephone number
  • Email address
  • A brief statement of intent
• The dates and times that you would like to shadow (3 only)

You will receive a confirmation email after your shadow experience has been approved. Once you receive this email, you can bring your paperwork (HIPAA training certificate and proof of immunizations) to the Volunteer Services office and pick up your shadowing badge. If you need to cancel, please give us 24 hours notice. To cancel or for information, please reach out to Kristel Maes, Therapy Services Educator, via email. For our department, you do not need to reach out to the preceptor prior to shadowing.

Each team will try to give, but cannot guarantee, you at least 24 hours advanced notice if your session needs to be rescheduled. If we have to reschedule your shadow experience, we will not count that missed session against you. However, if you do not call or are a no show, we will count the missed session as used.

Visit Rehabilitation Therapies Clinical Education to learn more about related opportunities. For Shadow locations and instructions upon your arrival review this attached list. After the completion of your shadow session, you will need to complete this Shadow Confirmation Survey for verification (1 survey per shadow session). Click to find directions to the Rehab Therapy Services office.

Effective July 1, 2017, UNC Hospitals will require tuberculosis screening in the form of a current (within the last 12 months) two-step tuberculin skin test (TST) or blood test (IGRA) for all new participants in any shadowing program or role.  If shadow visitor has prior history of two-step TB testing, one TB skin test must be within 12 months of shadow date. 

This brings our procedure for new shadowing participants in line with the current CDC recommendations for baseline tuberculosis screening in health care environments and with procedures already in place at UNC Hospitals for new employees and volunteers. Due to the variations in duration of stay for these participants, a current two-step TST or current IGRA must be completed prior to beginning any program at UNC Hospitals.

On Aug. 1, 2017, verbal history will no longer be accepted as proof of past chickenpox disease per ACIP/CDC recommendations. Proof of chickenpox will be accepted only if one of the following criteria are met:

• Documentation of two (2) doses of varicella vaccine (at least one month apart)
• Documentation of Herpes Zoster (shingles) vaccine
• Documentation of Licensed Independent Practitioner (LIP) diagnosed disease – chickenpox or shingles
• Documentation of Positive Serology (VZAB blood test)

In February 2017, the Recommended Immunization Schedule for Adults Aged 19 years or Older, United States 2017 became effective, as recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and approved by the CDC.

All adults should receive a Tdap vaccination. UNC Health Care shadowing requirements include Tdap vaccination and therefore, all shadow visitors who have not had an adult dose Tdap (i.e., at age 11 years or older) will be required to demonstrate receipt of updated Tdap.