https://www.sunline.org/riding-sunline/destinations/desert-regional-medical-center I am a Sodexo distance option dietetic intern, currently in the final weeks of my clinical rotation at Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, California. When I first began looking at dietetic internships I remember reading through all of the Sodexo Dietetic Internships blog posts in search for insight, tips, and guidance from current interns; all of which I found. The slogan for the Sodexo Dietetic Internship, “Do something everyday”, is so true and always on my mind. The internship is challenging and also very rewarding when you put in the time and show up prepared.
A few of the tips that I can share from my clinical rotations are the following:
I challenge myself often to take on tasks that are outside of my comfort zone so that I am pushed to become better. I know that this quality is well received by the clinical staff because they can always ask me to take on a project or nutrition related task. Confidence is key- know that you are prepared and supported throughout this process. Face challenges head on, with confidence, and reach out to your preceptors and fellow dietetic interns as often as you need. I am grateful to the great group of Sodexo interns that have become my friends during this process as I am always reaching out for advice, to share a funny nutrition meme, or just to check in, which makes this journey so much fun. In conclusion, the Sodexo dietetic internship makes you feel like you’re on a team and it is everything that you make of it; this wonderful opportunity for practical application, learning, and growth is worth every minute.
A few of the tips that I can share from my clinical rotations are the following:
- Be prepared everyday, review your MNT notes and be open to learning, because practical application is very different than classroom lectures and labs.
- Pay attention to how your clinical preceptors assess, take notes, and chart on patients, as everyone has their own style and you will want to follow the charting style of the preceptor that you are working with.
- Ask questions, after you attempt to figure it out on your own first; part of learning is finding your way and when you need clarity or remain unsure of something always ask.
- Use your best judgement, patients are not text book cases and there are many variables to consider when speaking with them, educating them, and when writing their note and applying nutrition interventions.
- Enjoy the process; although it may be overwhelming at times, it is full of experiences and learning opportunities that you’ll never forget.
I challenge myself often to take on tasks that are outside of my comfort zone so that I am pushed to become better. I know that this quality is well received by the clinical staff because they can always ask me to take on a project or nutrition related task. Confidence is key- know that you are prepared and supported throughout this process. Face challenges head on, with confidence, and reach out to your preceptors and fellow dietetic interns as often as you need. I am grateful to the great group of Sodexo interns that have become my friends during this process as I am always reaching out for advice, to share a funny nutrition meme, or just to check in, which makes this journey so much fun. In conclusion, the Sodexo dietetic internship makes you feel like you’re on a team and it is everything that you make of it; this wonderful opportunity for practical application, learning, and growth is worth every minute.
