My experience at NYP-Queens started out rather rocky. It was hard to adjust to having a different preceptor each week, sometimes each day, but I learned to take feedback in stride and make everyday a learning opportunity. I am now in the midst of my advanced clinical rotation, working in nutrition support, and these past couple of weeks have looked a lot different than I ever imagined!
It’s one thing to know I may be coming into contact with people who have COVID-19, but it’s a completely different feeling when I know going into a room that a patient is confirmed to have COVID-19. My first interaction was so surreal; I had to put on a gown, hairnet, and gloves in addition to the typical PPE. It was daunting closing the door behind me, feeling trapped in the room with someone who was COVID-19 positive. But once I got in the room, I saw the sweetest elderly man and all of my anxiety left. My main focus became this patient, who was malnourished, and to ensure I gave him the best care possible. I felt sad leaving the room knowing that he was isolated and all alone; this has unfortunately been the sentiment I have felt throughout nutrition support. It fuels my passion even more to work in the field of dietetics and I have gained a greater understanding of the importance of early nutrition support in critically ill patients, witnessing firsthand how dietitians play a key role within the interdisciplinary team ensuring these patients have the best possible chance of recovery.
I am very thankful to be completing my internship in-person despite living through a pandemic. I certainly did not imagine my internship experience occurring through such extreme times, and I have leaned on my faith more than ever through the process. I do not believe I could confidently enter patient rooms without covering myself in prayer and believing that I am healthy and strong. Otherwise, this would be a very fearful experience.
I look forward to my other concentrations, specifically my leadership concentration where I plan to create a blog and social media platform where parents can find relevant information relating to toddler nutrition, pregnancy, and general nutrition topics for the family. I am enjoying my internship experience very much and that I can drive my own experience to gain exposure in as many areas as possible.
It’s one thing to know I may be coming into contact with people who have COVID-19, but it’s a completely different feeling when I know going into a room that a patient is confirmed to have COVID-19. My first interaction was so surreal; I had to put on a gown, hairnet, and gloves in addition to the typical PPE. It was daunting closing the door behind me, feeling trapped in the room with someone who was COVID-19 positive. But once I got in the room, I saw the sweetest elderly man and all of my anxiety left. My main focus became this patient, who was malnourished, and to ensure I gave him the best care possible. I felt sad leaving the room knowing that he was isolated and all alone; this has unfortunately been the sentiment I have felt throughout nutrition support. It fuels my passion even more to work in the field of dietetics and I have gained a greater understanding of the importance of early nutrition support in critically ill patients, witnessing firsthand how dietitians play a key role within the interdisciplinary team ensuring these patients have the best possible chance of recovery.
I am very thankful to be completing my internship in-person despite living through a pandemic. I certainly did not imagine my internship experience occurring through such extreme times, and I have leaned on my faith more than ever through the process. I do not believe I could confidently enter patient rooms without covering myself in prayer and believing that I am healthy and strong. Otherwise, this would be a very fearful experience.
I look forward to my other concentrations, specifically my leadership concentration where I plan to create a blog and social media platform where parents can find relevant information relating to toddler nutrition, pregnancy, and general nutrition topics for the family. I am enjoying my internship experience very much and that I can drive my own experience to gain exposure in as many areas as possible.
