Hey everyone! My name is Candace Samuels. I’m a region 3 intern living in Queens, NY. I started my internship in late September 2020 with my food service rotation at Société Générale. I had plenty of food service experience from a past employment and was happy to come in with a good understanding of how a food service operation works. Unfortunately, the COVID 19 pandemic brought forth limitations, but the experience was still memorable, nonetheless. The staff at Société Générale were absolutely wonderful and supportive every step of the way. Additionally, it was also exciting to be paired with another intern, Lauren W. Together we were able to think outside the box for our Retail Marketing and Wellness project, to also express our gratitude to the staff. Thankfully, I was also able to complete my culinary concentration there as well.
I moved on and completed my community rotation. Again, the pandemic presented setbacks, but I was able to complete my assignments virtually with the help of family and friends, as well dedicate time at a Queens-based Food Bank, the River Fund New York. Currently, I am in my clinical rotation at St. Barnabas Hospital located in the Bronx. Truthfully, I was intimated to start, but my preceptors have been SO helpful and encouraging throughout the journey. Now, I can work independently on my own. I’m comfortable with maneuvering through EMR, speaking with the interdisciplinary team, and providing diet education to patients. The clinical setting is fast paced. Between the nutrition consults and follow-ups, it’s extremely important to be able to recognize what information is relevant and what is not. Nevertheless, that’s a skill that takes practice as you gain more real-life experiences. Every day I am learning something new, which continues to make me feel confident that I will become a great dietitian in the future.
These rotations are flying by super-fast! I’m already mid-way through my clinical rotation. My advice to future interns is as they tell you during orientation: be open minded, stay organized, and especially do a little every day. It will be a lot work. It will be challenging. It will be overwhelming, but remain positive and stay focused. Also, remember you are NOT alone. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and for help from your peers, your mentor, your preceptors, and directors. My directors are fantastic! All in all, don’t be hesitant in utilizing the resources and support that is provided for you.
I moved on and completed my community rotation. Again, the pandemic presented setbacks, but I was able to complete my assignments virtually with the help of family and friends, as well dedicate time at a Queens-based Food Bank, the River Fund New York. Currently, I am in my clinical rotation at St. Barnabas Hospital located in the Bronx. Truthfully, I was intimated to start, but my preceptors have been SO helpful and encouraging throughout the journey. Now, I can work independently on my own. I’m comfortable with maneuvering through EMR, speaking with the interdisciplinary team, and providing diet education to patients. The clinical setting is fast paced. Between the nutrition consults and follow-ups, it’s extremely important to be able to recognize what information is relevant and what is not. Nevertheless, that’s a skill that takes practice as you gain more real-life experiences. Every day I am learning something new, which continues to make me feel confident that I will become a great dietitian in the future.
These rotations are flying by super-fast! I’m already mid-way through my clinical rotation. My advice to future interns is as they tell you during orientation: be open minded, stay organized, and especially do a little every day. It will be a lot work. It will be challenging. It will be overwhelming, but remain positive and stay focused. Also, remember you are NOT alone. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and for help from your peers, your mentor, your preceptors, and directors. My directors are fantastic! All in all, don’t be hesitant in utilizing the resources and support that is provided for you.
