Job Shadowing at Des Moines Area Hospitals

1. Park in the visitor parking lot.
2. A light meal is suggested before you begin your experience. Please let your healthcare host know immediately if you feel dizzy or nauseated. Cafeteria and vending machines are available. Cash and cards are accepted.
3. Leave valuables at home or locked in a non-visible area of your vehicle. UnityPoint Health is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
4. Ask questions! We want this to be a learning experience for you.

Email all completed forms to the Learner Observation Opportunity coinciding with the experience you are interested in.

After submitting your completed application and applicable forms, a healthcare host will reach out and provide you with their name and work phone number should you need to speak with them before your scheduled experience.

Please be considerate of our patients and staff and re-schedule your appointment. Contact your healthcare host as soon as you know you will be unable to attend.

Call your healthcare host as soon as possible and let them know you will be late.

You may want to bring a small notebook and a pen for questions/thoughts and a small amount of cash and/or card to purchase items from the cafeteria. Cell phones are allowed but must be turned off or set to silent during your experience. No backpacks, tote bags or purses should be brought with you. We are not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged items; please leave valuables at home.

Completed applications will be reviewed and approved by the department you listed as your interest area. If your request is approved you will be notified of the date, time and location to report along with the name and contact information of your healthcare host.

Interviews and/or observation hours are unpaid and will not provide any "hands-on" involvement during the experience. The participant will be paired with a qualified UnityPoint Health - Des Moines healthcare host. The healthcare host will be prepared to answer questions about a typical day, education and skill.

All participants must comply with rules designed to protect patient privacy.

1. Participants will not access any patient medical records or proprietary business information.
2. Protected Health Information (PHI) includes patient name, names of relatives, patient address, photos, email address, phone number, or other information that can be used to identify an individual.
3. The participant will not share patient information from their experiences with anyone.
4. Patient information will not be released via social media or any other electronic or personal communication medium by the participant.
5. No patient care is allowed.
6. Participants may not take photos of patients, procedures or the UnityPoint Health - Des Moines facilities.
7. Patients trust us with their healthcare information. Participants are required to maintain strict confidentiality and privacy about patient information.

1. Participants with known exposure to a contagious agent, who have active colds or infections, or who do not feel well, may not observe.
2. Participants will be asked to leave if the UnityPoint Health - Des Moines healthcare host believes the participant presents a risk to the staff or patients.

1. Keeping our patients, visitors, guests, staff and providers safe is a primary safety goal in the UnityPoint Health - Des Moines facilities.
2. Mandatory PPE will be enforced by UnityPoint Health - Des Moines healthcare hosts where and when appropriate.
3. All participants will be notified if this specific safety matter is in place during the participant's experience.
4. Different PPE may be required in different areas of the hospital and hospital properties.
5. PPE examples include but are not limited to: facial masking, handwashing, ear plugs, non-slip shoes, etc.
6. Participants will be required to demonstrate appropriate application and utilization of the PPE associated with the area they are visiting.
7. Discussion and application of the site appropriate PPE will be done with their healthcare host upon arrival at their experience.
8. Successful demonstration of application and utilization of the site-specific PPE will be completed and documented by the healthcare host prior to the actual experience.

1. UnityPoint Health - Des Moines reserves the right to open, cancel or close any or all interview or in-person experiences at its discretion.
2. All participants must be accompanied by their UnityPoint Health - Des Moines healthcare host at all times during their experience.

1. Cell phones and other electronic devices will be silenced or turned off during the experience.
2. Sending and receiving text messages or phone calls at any time other than break time are disruptive and disrespectful.
3. Appropriate language will be maintained during the experience.
4. The use of tobacco products and vaping is not allowed anywhere on UnityPoint Health - Des Moines facility campuses and property.
5. No gum chewing, food or drink during your experience – unless accompanied by the healthcare host over a "break" or "mealtime."
6. Participants will comply with all appropriate policies and procedures of the clinical area(s) where the experience is held.

1. Participants must dress professionally with closed toe shoes.
2. No perfume or cologne. Long hair pulled back and secured. Clothing must be clean. Jewelry must be conservative. No jeans, shorts, sweatshirts, T-shirts, tank tops or ball caps. No sandals, flip flops or high heels. Socks must be worn.
3. Participants that are dressed inappropriately will be asked to reschedule their experience.
4. Participants will be required to wear a temporary UnityPoint Health - Des Moines I.D. badge at all times during the experience. It will be issued to the participant at the beginning of their scheduled experience.