Hi everyone! My name is Alison Green and I am a Sodexo dietetic intern from region 3 in Long Island, New York. I started the internship in January this year and it has been such a learning experience, not only professionally but personally as well. I started with clinical as my first rotation at Mount Sinai South Nassau. I remember being really nervous about starting clinical, not being sure about my abilities and clinical knowledge. My number one advice I can give to future interns is to believe in yourself! You know more than you may even realize, and you always have support from the internship team. I reminded myself I was chosen for this program for a reason and to have confidence that I can do it. I was surprised how easy it was to get comfortable in the hospital setting with the help of amazing preceptors. They made me feel supported and were so willing to teach me that gave me the confidence to tackle the clinical rotation. Learning each RD’s style and how they do assessments taught me various perspectives of clinical nutrition for different diagnoses. I had to leave my site in the middle of my intermediate clinical rotation due to COVID.
I was able to return in May to start my foodservice management rotation at the same site as my clinical rotation. I enjoyed that rotation because I was able to plan a to-go menu for EMS staff for EMS appreciation day. I was involved in every step of the process from picking what menu items we would serve, going over the pricing for those items and then putting together the meals. The catering manager and I set up a table with to-go bags that we handed out by the emergency department to the EMS staff who came to the hospital. It was such a rewarding experience during the pandemic to show appreciation for fellow healthcare workers that I will never forget.
I was able to resume my clinical rotation once I completed foodservice. Currently, I am finishing up my critical care concentration and my time at Mount Sinai South Nassau. Reflecting back on my experiences, I have grown so much not only in my clinical and foodservice knowledge, but in my confidence as a future registered dietitian!
I was able to resume my clinical rotation once I completed foodservice. Currently, I am finishing up my critical care concentration and my time at Mount Sinai South Nassau. Reflecting back on my experiences, I have grown so much not only in my clinical and foodservice knowledge, but in my confidence as a future registered dietitian!
