Hey, everyone! My name is Katie Wolf, and I am currently a dietetic intern for Sodexo’s distance program. I am now in my clinical rotation at Orange Park Medical Center in Florida. Over the past couple of months, with a lot of practice and guidance from my preceptors, I have slowly gained more confidence in my ability to provide and use the nutrition care process for each patient I assess. I remember sitting in my Medical Nutrition Therapy class at the University of North Florida learning how to calculate enteral feedings for the first time. I was scared that I would never learn. Now, with every calculation, I become more confident and efficient.
Initially, when I envisioned my clinical rotation, I imagined patients that would fit the exact description from what you would read in a textbook or on a PowerPoint. I was captivated from the first day. I find myself researching and discussing different disease states I never knew existed with the registered dietitians. I have been highly involved with the trauma and intensive care unit (ICU). I never thought I would be so involved in the interdisciplinary team. The ICU and trauma floor is fast paced, yet calm and organized with many skilled people working together to help form a plan of care for each patient to figure out the best possible outcome. Below are some tips that I wish I knew prior to starting my clinical rotation:
Be prepared.
Over the next couple of months, I will be living in Bradenton, Florida, where I will do the Critical Care MNT concentration at Manatee Memorial Hospital. I am excited for a new opportunity that will challenge my critical thinking skills and to learn more skills from other registered dietitians. I encourage you to always put on a smile and keep challenging yourself everyday!
Initially, when I envisioned my clinical rotation, I imagined patients that would fit the exact description from what you would read in a textbook or on a PowerPoint. I was captivated from the first day. I find myself researching and discussing different disease states I never knew existed with the registered dietitians. I have been highly involved with the trauma and intensive care unit (ICU). I never thought I would be so involved in the interdisciplinary team. The ICU and trauma floor is fast paced, yet calm and organized with many skilled people working together to help form a plan of care for each patient to figure out the best possible outcome. Below are some tips that I wish I knew prior to starting my clinical rotation:
Be prepared.
- For each rotation within the clinical rotation (Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced), go over basic nutrition therapy for the population of your community and patients you think you will encounter during the specific rotation. This way, you are well prepared with your interventions and recommendations.
- Ask all and every question you can think of. Try to network and get know the interdisciplinary team during rounds on the different floors with nursing staff, doctors, and pharmacists. Once you can approach the care team, they will most likely answer your questions and they will appreciate your interest in the topic and how it relates to nutrition. Go over the assignments that are due prior to starting the rotation to help stimulate questions.
- When I first started, I needed a lot of help writing my notes for each patient. It takes time to learn the electronic medical record, to learn what exactly to write on your note, and what the registered dietitians expect to see. It gets easier and you become more efficient without doubting yourself.
Over the next couple of months, I will be living in Bradenton, Florida, where I will do the Critical Care MNT concentration at Manatee Memorial Hospital. I am excited for a new opportunity that will challenge my critical thinking skills and to learn more skills from other registered dietitians. I encourage you to always put on a smile and keep challenging yourself everyday!
