Hi everyone! My name is Hannah, and I am a Sodexo distance intern based out of Richmond, RI. I am currently 10 weeks into my clinical rotation at St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center in Hartford, CT. This is a picture of me trying on my lab coat the night before my first day! Time is flying by so fast and this day feels like forever ago.
Honestly, I was a little nervous for the clinical rotation simply because the thought of hospitals used to freak me out. However, I’ve gotten used to the hospital environment and don’t even think twice about the tubes, needles, smells, and noises anymore. In fact, a funny coincidence is that, although I almost passed out the first time I witnessed someone undergoing dialysis, I really enjoy working with renal patients! Their diet is so complex and restricted that they need a dietitian to help them cope and work through it. I had a consult the other day for a young patient that was just put on hemodialysis. Everything he ordered was being denied and he had given up ordering any meals. Patient interviews usually last about 5-10 minutes, but I spent at least 25 minutes explaining the restrictions and why he was on them. Then, I helped him create a dinner menu and watched him call down to room service to make sure that the menu we created fit into his diet order. When it did, the gratitude he expressed was worth every second!
This was only one of the instances where I realized I really enjoy diet education. Being able to share knowledge with someone to improve their health and quality of life is a great feeling! However, it is important to remember during counseling that we live and breathe nutrition...patients, in general, do not. Making sure that we cater to each specific person’s needs/nutrition basis is very important. This can be difficult, and it takes practice to become comfortable. I’m 10 weeks in and still trying to fine-tune my interview skills.
Overall, I am really enjoying this experience, and it makes me love the field of nutrition even more! My advice is to work/study hard but to also take care of yourself. Being an intern (even in the field you love!) is not easy. Take it day by day and know that the end goal is going to be so worth it!
Honestly, I was a little nervous for the clinical rotation simply because the thought of hospitals used to freak me out. However, I’ve gotten used to the hospital environment and don’t even think twice about the tubes, needles, smells, and noises anymore. In fact, a funny coincidence is that, although I almost passed out the first time I witnessed someone undergoing dialysis, I really enjoy working with renal patients! Their diet is so complex and restricted that they need a dietitian to help them cope and work through it. I had a consult the other day for a young patient that was just put on hemodialysis. Everything he ordered was being denied and he had given up ordering any meals. Patient interviews usually last about 5-10 minutes, but I spent at least 25 minutes explaining the restrictions and why he was on them. Then, I helped him create a dinner menu and watched him call down to room service to make sure that the menu we created fit into his diet order. When it did, the gratitude he expressed was worth every second!
This was only one of the instances where I realized I really enjoy diet education. Being able to share knowledge with someone to improve their health and quality of life is a great feeling! However, it is important to remember during counseling that we live and breathe nutrition...patients, in general, do not. Making sure that we cater to each specific person’s needs/nutrition basis is very important. This can be difficult, and it takes practice to become comfortable. I’m 10 weeks in and still trying to fine-tune my interview skills.
Overall, I am really enjoying this experience, and it makes me love the field of nutrition even more! My advice is to work/study hard but to also take care of yourself. Being an intern (even in the field you love!) is not easy. Take it day by day and know that the end goal is going to be so worth it!
