Hello! My name is Joyce Liang and I am a region 3 dietetic intern. I am currently in my advanced clinical rotations at New York-Presbyterian Queens. The internship is going by so quickly that I can’t believe I’m halfway through it already. Coming into the internship and going right into my clinical rotations at such a large and diverse facility was exciting yet daunting at first. This was my first time in a clinical setting and I didn’t know what to expect or how to prepare for it. Nevertheless, my preceptors were great from the beginning. Not only did they help me transition into the environment, but they’ve also helped me develop my clinical judgment and gain the confidence needed to practice and thrive in this setting.
Since I am completing most of my internship at this site, I have transitioned easily from one rotation to the next. I have been able to assess patients of different disease states, conduct nutrition-focused physical exams (NFPE) daily, diagnose malnutrition, and provide patient education (including diabetic, heart-healthy, bariatric, weight management, and renal diet education). Additionally, I had the opportunity to work with other centers affiliated with NYP Queens. I was able to get experience in the transitional care unit as well as the outpatient dialysis unit, which are both located onsite. Other interesting things I have done were observe bariatric surgery, join a diabetes work group, and participate in the dietetic team’s journal club.
My favorite part of interning at this clinical site thus far is working with such a large group of dietitians. As I rotate through the different units, I am learning from dietitians who are skilled at what they do. Right now, I am diving into parenteral nutrition support and getting more comfortable working with the interdiscplinary team at the ICU. After this rotation, I look forward to working on my critical care MNT rotation to further solidify my clinical knowledge and jump-start my career as an RD!
Some advice to take away:
Since I am completing most of my internship at this site, I have transitioned easily from one rotation to the next. I have been able to assess patients of different disease states, conduct nutrition-focused physical exams (NFPE) daily, diagnose malnutrition, and provide patient education (including diabetic, heart-healthy, bariatric, weight management, and renal diet education). Additionally, I had the opportunity to work with other centers affiliated with NYP Queens. I was able to get experience in the transitional care unit as well as the outpatient dialysis unit, which are both located onsite. Other interesting things I have done were observe bariatric surgery, join a diabetes work group, and participate in the dietetic team’s journal club.
My favorite part of interning at this clinical site thus far is working with such a large group of dietitians. As I rotate through the different units, I am learning from dietitians who are skilled at what they do. Right now, I am diving into parenteral nutrition support and getting more comfortable working with the interdiscplinary team at the ICU. After this rotation, I look forward to working on my critical care MNT rotation to further solidify my clinical knowledge and jump-start my career as an RD!
Some advice to take away:
- Yes, there will be days (or weeks) that are rough but enjoy the experience.
- You will surprise yourself with how much you learn. You will soak up knowledge like a sponge.
- There will be rotations that you think you will enjoy and those that you may not enjoy as much but keep an open mind. You never know what you will fall in love with.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions and make mistakes. This is the perfect opportunity to learn.
- Take full advantage of the opportunities offered by your preceptors and speak up about the experiences that you want during the internship. Pave the path you want.
