Observation Program
An observer is a person who is in the facility to shadow a specific person
or persons. The observer will have no direct physical contact with the
patient(s), nor will they direct or participate in the treatment of the
patient(s) in any manner. This person is in the organization to observe only.
You must be at least 18 years of age and a high school graduate to observe in our facilities. An observation experience in any Confluence Health department can be approved for up to eight hours per calendar year. For all requests to consider students/observers who are not 18 years of age or a high school graduate, please contact Student Services for information regarding Confluence Health special programs.
Instructions and Requirements to Observe or Shadow
We appreciate your interest in observing at Confluence Health. Although we will try our best, we might not be able to honor your request. Approvals are based on the number of requests received, census, staffing and space restrictions. Observer requests are processed once all requirements are met. If your observation has not been completed within six months from the date of your application, you may be asked to resubmit your application.
You will be asked to provide a current, professional photo for your observer ID badge when completing the application process. For the photo, no hats, sunglasses, tattoos or facial piercings (aside from earrings or one small nose stud piercing) are permitted. Confluence Health does not require immunization or communicable disease records, but we require that you are healthy and recommend that you are up to date with your immunizations. Please check this with your primary care provider.
Once your application has been received and all documentation approved, your request will be sent to the department for approval. This can take some time depending on how busy the department is. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. When we hear back from the department, we will let you know if your request has been approved.
Dress Code
All students are required to comply with the Confluence Health policy on professional appearance. To read our dress code policy, please click here.
Parking
All observers are required to comply with our parking policy for patients, visitors, physicians, employees, volunteers, students and vendors.
- Confluence Health Parking Policy
- Employee/Student Parking Map: Central Campus
- Employee/Student Parking Map: Mares Campus
- Employee/Student Parking Map: Moses Lake Campus
Once you have been scheduled for an observation, please be sure you understand clearly where you are expected to park, where you are expected to arrive, and with whom you are expected to check in or meet. If you have any questions about this, please contact Student Services.
Observation Program Application
Observation Opportunity: Neurology Winter Pre-Health Clinical Rotation
The goals of the Neurology Pre-Health Clinical Rotation are to increase understanding of the role of the physician in medicine and inpatient neurology, add exposure to realities and limitations in medicine, and help enhance motivation and improve articulation of your own goals in healthcare if you decide to pursue a career in the field. This experience takes place over winter break (December 22–28, 2025) and includes shadowing, didactics and time to develop a project in education, quality improvement or a clinical case report depending on your interests and experiences over the week. Shadowing will primarily be on the inpatient neurology service. Applicants must be a high school senior or above and not already accepted or applying to medical school. Housing is not provided. However, discounted hotel rates are available upon request. To apply, please fill out the application (available by clicking here), and include your resume, transcript and a short essay regarding your interest in the program and educational journey/goals. All of these documents should be emailed to studentservices@confluencehealth.org. Applications must be submitted by October 15, 2025. Student selection will be completed by November 1, 2025, for the December 2025 program.
