
Hi there, my name is Abby Dilk and I’m a dietetic intern in region 8. I’m completing the final few days of my clinical rotation just north of Indianapolis, IN. I'm originally from Indiana, but I'm looking forward to returning home to Colorado this week. During the four months I’ve been here, I have completed nutrition assessments and follow-ups for over 400 unique patient cases, including many tube feedings and TPNs. I must admit I was surprised by just how rewarding and exciting it is to be a clinical dietitian. From one day having a patient intubated on a mechanical vent and needing tube feeding, to days later returning to their baseline status and knowing I played a part in that. I have also witnessed patients with head and neck cancer need tube feeding due to dysphagia and then be able to transition back to successful PO intake after some time. I initially saw myself working in an outpatient setting as a dietitian, but now I'm considering the hospital setting. I would advise everyone to keep an open mind for your future plans, as hands-on experience can be a game-changer.
I was definitely nervous heading into my clinical rotation, but my preceptors have done a wonderful job of challenging me just enough. It has been a nice balance of using my knowledge while also learning through experience. I currently have 10+ patients and am representing dietetics in ICU rounds daily. This level of responsibility would have seemed impossible when I first started here. If that rings true for you, I suggest allowing yourself to patiently grow your caseload and be surprised at how well you'll be able to manage it all. Additionally, don't be afraid to ask questions and ask them up-front. Knowing the proper protocols and procedures from the start is going to set you up for success later on. The clinical assignments were also quite demanding, but the advice of "do something every day" that was given during orientation was immensely helpful. I did a couple case study questions each night, and it made it much less daunting than sitting down and completing it all at once.
For anyone else that has matched with a rotation away from home, I hope you are also able to find gratitude in the process like I did. It allowed me to really focus on myself and my studies. It has been so difficult not seeing my family, friends, and partner as often, but I have had a chance to reconnect with my relatives and friends who live in Indy. I've made countless memories that I wouldn't have had otherwise. I am so excited to return home, but I'm also very grateful this placement was in my path.
I was definitely nervous heading into my clinical rotation, but my preceptors have done a wonderful job of challenging me just enough. It has been a nice balance of using my knowledge while also learning through experience. I currently have 10+ patients and am representing dietetics in ICU rounds daily. This level of responsibility would have seemed impossible when I first started here. If that rings true for you, I suggest allowing yourself to patiently grow your caseload and be surprised at how well you'll be able to manage it all. Additionally, don't be afraid to ask questions and ask them up-front. Knowing the proper protocols and procedures from the start is going to set you up for success later on. The clinical assignments were also quite demanding, but the advice of "do something every day" that was given during orientation was immensely helpful. I did a couple case study questions each night, and it made it much less daunting than sitting down and completing it all at once.
For anyone else that has matched with a rotation away from home, I hope you are also able to find gratitude in the process like I did. It allowed me to really focus on myself and my studies. It has been so difficult not seeing my family, friends, and partner as often, but I have had a chance to reconnect with my relatives and friends who live in Indy. I've made countless memories that I wouldn't have had otherwise. I am so excited to return home, but I'm also very grateful this placement was in my path.