Hi everyone! My name is Anna, and I’m a Sodexo dietetic intern in Minneapolis, Minnesota (Region 9).
I’m currently in my clinical rotation at Mercy Hospital and loving it – something I honestly did not expect just three months ago! The first couple weeks were a learning curve; I had never worked in a hospital, and it took me a while to get the hang of patient charting. Fast-forward to week four of my rotation, and I was already able to see patients on my own! Luckily, I have a team of seven wonderful RD preceptors who have been patient with me through the learning process and simultaneously push me to work independently and use critical thinking to problem-solve.
My favorite part of clinical, especially at a smaller hospital, has been the ability to follow up with patients and watch their nutrition improve during admission. I love to see patients’ eyes light up while they proudly tell me they are feeling stronger and ate all their meals and supplements that day, when just a few days earlier they felt weak and had no appetite.
I’ve also gotten exposure to a variety of other disciplines. So far, I have watched a live barium swallow study, shadowed a respiratory therapist, taught a Lung Power class to outpatients with COPD, and I regularly attend ICU rounds with other clinicians. Before my rotation ends, I hope to observe a PEG tube placement and mixing of a custom TPN with a pharmacist.
My advice to future interns is to be endlessly curious! Ask questions, look up conditions and medications you’re unfamiliar with, and consider how you can improve the patient experience. A dietitian’s role in the hospital is unique and necessary – remember, you are a vital component of the treatment team! Also, don’t be afraid to speak up if you want to see certain procedures or shadow other disciplines. The internship is your time to explore the dietetics field as a whole, so take advantage of this time to learn more about your specific interests!
I’m currently in my clinical rotation at Mercy Hospital and loving it – something I honestly did not expect just three months ago! The first couple weeks were a learning curve; I had never worked in a hospital, and it took me a while to get the hang of patient charting. Fast-forward to week four of my rotation, and I was already able to see patients on my own! Luckily, I have a team of seven wonderful RD preceptors who have been patient with me through the learning process and simultaneously push me to work independently and use critical thinking to problem-solve.
My favorite part of clinical, especially at a smaller hospital, has been the ability to follow up with patients and watch their nutrition improve during admission. I love to see patients’ eyes light up while they proudly tell me they are feeling stronger and ate all their meals and supplements that day, when just a few days earlier they felt weak and had no appetite.
I’ve also gotten exposure to a variety of other disciplines. So far, I have watched a live barium swallow study, shadowed a respiratory therapist, taught a Lung Power class to outpatients with COPD, and I regularly attend ICU rounds with other clinicians. Before my rotation ends, I hope to observe a PEG tube placement and mixing of a custom TPN with a pharmacist.
My advice to future interns is to be endlessly curious! Ask questions, look up conditions and medications you’re unfamiliar with, and consider how you can improve the patient experience. A dietitian’s role in the hospital is unique and necessary – remember, you are a vital component of the treatment team! Also, don’t be afraid to speak up if you want to see certain procedures or shadow other disciplines. The internship is your time to explore the dietetics field as a whole, so take advantage of this time to learn more about your specific interests!
