My name is Ashley Bozekowski and I am a distance Sodexo dietetic intern. My concentration was MNT and I worked at Sky Ridge Medical campus for 5 months. While I learned a great deal, and enjoyed the challenging complexity of the hospital setting, I also learned that clinical may not be for me. While I might not pursue a clinical job, my clinical rotation was invaluable in helping me recognize and the improve skills I have been lacking; these strengthened skills will be beneficial in whatever area I decide to pursue.
The experiences that I enjoyed the most were during my community nutrition rotation hours where I chose to work with an RD in worksite wellness. I soon found out that this is an area that I think is best suited for me. I loved learning more about worksite wellness programs including how to initiate and coordinate one. Watching the role an RD plays in the worksite wellness field was fascinating and inspiring.
I worked with Leanne Ray who is the RD for the Tri-County Health Department’s worksite wellness program. The health department has initiated their own worksite wellness program because you have to practice what you preach! Alongside their own program they also have two RDs that work with small businesses around Colorado and help them implement worksite wellness programs. I joined Leanne at a local chamber of commerce meeting where the parks and recreation department gave a presentation on the ways local businesses can utilize the parks and open spaces as a part of the worksite wellness programs and initiatives. Providing resources and ideas for creating small changes are just some of the ways the health department helps these businesses.
The experiences that I enjoyed the most were during my community nutrition rotation hours where I chose to work with an RD in worksite wellness. I soon found out that this is an area that I think is best suited for me. I loved learning more about worksite wellness programs including how to initiate and coordinate one. Watching the role an RD plays in the worksite wellness field was fascinating and inspiring.
I worked with Leanne Ray who is the RD for the Tri-County Health Department’s worksite wellness program. The health department has initiated their own worksite wellness program because you have to practice what you preach! Alongside their own program they also have two RDs that work with small businesses around Colorado and help them implement worksite wellness programs. I joined Leanne at a local chamber of commerce meeting where the parks and recreation department gave a presentation on the ways local businesses can utilize the parks and open spaces as a part of the worksite wellness programs and initiatives. Providing resources and ideas for creating small changes are just some of the ways the health department helps these businesses.
I was fortunate enough to work in their department and experience their initiatives first hand. They work in the administrative building so the cubicle life is alive and well. Some initiatives they implemented have been walking lunches, yoga classes offered once a week during lunch, and offering multiple microwaves to encourage packed lunches. They have “spa” water or fruit infused water available instead of soda machines. What was amazing was to see how this has changed the atmosphere and culture in the office. By promoting and focusing on health initiatives I found that employees begin to take the lead in sustaining these changes. Many coworkers have gotten into the habit of getting up and inviting others to take a walk with them around the building. By promoting and focusing on health initiatives I found that employees begin to take the lead in sustaining these changes. This atmosphere and culture provides the potential for lasting change and positive health outcomes.
During my time there, I helped Leanne in many aspects of social media and marketing. First I helped with her health blog that she sends out in her monthly newsletter. I had the privilege of helping her with the upcoming month’s blog post where I chose to write about healthy and quick Mason jar snacks to bring to work. I also helped Leanne work on social media posts for the upcoming “Bike to Work Day” here in Colorado. I created tweets to send out on Twitter to remind, inform and encourage people to take part in the event. I had to focus on short, informative, and encouraging pieces as well as use appropriate tags and hashtags. Lastly, I helped her create flyers and infographics. The first that I created was for the Douglas County health fair that we partook in. Here we encouraged employees of the Douglas County health department to implement our 5 easy tips to boost energy at work. The second, was an internal flyer for health department employees informing them about the “Think Outside the Car” challenge that they can partake in for a chance to win prizes on Bike to Work Day.
I really enjoyed the social media, marketing and creative aspects of this rotation, and in general, think that the worksite wellness more closely resonated with me in contrast to clinical. This internship as a whole has been instructive in illuminating my primary goal in dietetics: encouraging wellness.
During my time there, I helped Leanne in many aspects of social media and marketing. First I helped with her health blog that she sends out in her monthly newsletter. I had the privilege of helping her with the upcoming month’s blog post where I chose to write about healthy and quick Mason jar snacks to bring to work. I also helped Leanne work on social media posts for the upcoming “Bike to Work Day” here in Colorado. I created tweets to send out on Twitter to remind, inform and encourage people to take part in the event. I had to focus on short, informative, and encouraging pieces as well as use appropriate tags and hashtags. Lastly, I helped her create flyers and infographics. The first that I created was for the Douglas County health fair that we partook in. Here we encouraged employees of the Douglas County health department to implement our 5 easy tips to boost energy at work. The second, was an internal flyer for health department employees informing them about the “Think Outside the Car” challenge that they can partake in for a chance to win prizes on Bike to Work Day.
I really enjoyed the social media, marketing and creative aspects of this rotation, and in general, think that the worksite wellness more closely resonated with me in contrast to clinical. This internship as a whole has been instructive in illuminating my primary goal in dietetics: encouraging wellness.
