Hi everyone! My name is Kristina Redmond and I am a region 1 intern. I cannot believe I have finished my entire clinical rotation and staff relief. I completed clinical at Holy Family Hospital in Methuen, MA. On day one, everything was so new. New location, new people, new responsibilities. Looking back, I cannot believe how much I learned in just four months. I went from shadowing RDs and writing brief notes to seeing my own patients and completing multiple ADIME notes a day.
During clinical, I was able to observe a modified barium swallow test and spent time with the speech language pathologist. It was interesting to see the different technology and tests they use to assess a patient’s ability to swallow. Since I worked closely with the speech language pathologist on a regular basis, it was an awesome experience to spend some time in their shoes! It increased my appreciation for the process needed to decide the safest texture and consistency for a patient.
I also participated in daily interdisciplinary rounds. I always knew it was important for all members of the team to work together. During rounds I noticed a tremendous difference in patient care when all members of the team were able to discuss each patient and articulate their care plan, concerns, and gather extra information that may not have been clear in the chart. Everyone in rounds was always welcoming and happy to explain the role they play in patient care. This allowed me to comfortably reach out to any member of the team so I could best help my patient.
I was extremely intrigued in critical care during my advanced rotation. The more complicated patients required extreme attention to detail. I was fascinated by the process of deciding on the best enteral/parenteral formulas for different patients. It is not one size fits all! I gained experience calculating appropriate needs for sedated patients on propofol, determining the best formula and rate of tube feed and evaluating the regimen each day. I am excited to be starting my concentration in critical care soon.
Overall, clinical is a whirlwind. You learn so much in such a short period of time. Each level of clinical is a new learning experience. Do not forget to breathe! All the RDs have been in your place before and know exactly how it feels to be an intern. It is overwhelming to think about, but everything falls into place. Trust me!
During clinical, I was able to observe a modified barium swallow test and spent time with the speech language pathologist. It was interesting to see the different technology and tests they use to assess a patient’s ability to swallow. Since I worked closely with the speech language pathologist on a regular basis, it was an awesome experience to spend some time in their shoes! It increased my appreciation for the process needed to decide the safest texture and consistency for a patient.
I also participated in daily interdisciplinary rounds. I always knew it was important for all members of the team to work together. During rounds I noticed a tremendous difference in patient care when all members of the team were able to discuss each patient and articulate their care plan, concerns, and gather extra information that may not have been clear in the chart. Everyone in rounds was always welcoming and happy to explain the role they play in patient care. This allowed me to comfortably reach out to any member of the team so I could best help my patient.
I was extremely intrigued in critical care during my advanced rotation. The more complicated patients required extreme attention to detail. I was fascinated by the process of deciding on the best enteral/parenteral formulas for different patients. It is not one size fits all! I gained experience calculating appropriate needs for sedated patients on propofol, determining the best formula and rate of tube feed and evaluating the regimen each day. I am excited to be starting my concentration in critical care soon.
Overall, clinical is a whirlwind. You learn so much in such a short period of time. Each level of clinical is a new learning experience. Do not forget to breathe! All the RDs have been in your place before and know exactly how it feels to be an intern. It is overwhelming to think about, but everything falls into place. Trust me!
