Nursing Observerships

Please note due to COVID-19, all international observership programs are on hold at this time and we are not accepting any applications. Please do not make any arrangements and contact Lena Wu, International Education Program Manager, at [email protected] if you have any questions. Thank you and we hope you stay safe and well.

Program Overview

The UCLA International Nursing Observership Program is an informal observership experience that enables participants to observe UCLA Health nurses in various units during patient rounds, bedside care, and clinical settings.

What You Can Expect

As an observer, you will be able to observe your host unit in the clinical setting and attend patient rounds and meetings.
You will be accompanied by a clinical nurse specialist, registered nurse, unit director, or healthcare staff at all times when observing patients.
You will not be able to perform or be involved in any patient care or research.
You will not have access to patient records, library, or email privileges.

Participation in the observership program does not have any bearing on pending or future education program applications. UCLA Health is unable to provide any recommendation letters regarding your participation in the observership program. Federal regulations prevent observers from having patient care responsibilities or involvement in any form of volunteer research. Please note as an observer, you are not eligible to have a mednet.ucla.edu email address and cannot have access to our electronic patient record-keeping system. All health professionals participating in the UCLA International Physician Observership Program are required to comply with all UCLA Health and David Geffen School of Medicine policies.

Timeframe

The observership period is a maximum of two weeks. We are unable to accept requests for observerships longer than two weeks.

Eligibility

Minimum education - Hold valid nursing license.

English Proficiency - In order for you to have the most productive educational and learning experience during your observership, you must be proficient in English.

Visa - You are required to have a B-1 (Temporary Business Visitor) visa. Please note UCLA is unable to assist in processing visas. To find out more about temporary business visas, please go to the U.S. Customs & Immigration Services website. If you have a different type of visa, please contact the International Office at [email protected].

Program Fees

Please note there is a nonrefundable $500 application fee. There is a $300/day training fee; payment will need to be received prior to the start of observership. Observers will be responsible for their own travel, accommodation, and living expenses.

For additional questions regarding the program, requirements, or application process, please contact the International Education Program at [email protected] or call +1 310-794-9975.

Observership Schedule and Application

Observership Schedule

Please refer to page 2 of the observership application for the nursing units’ observership schedule. Please note each specialty unit has designated times for hosting observers; requests for exceptions cannot be accommodated. Due to limited availability, each unit is only able to host a maximum of two nurse observers at a time. Applicants are allowed to apply to one unit at a time and cannot observe in multiple units during the designated month.

Application

To apply, please complete the below application and submit to [email protected].