My name is Lauren Perrone and I am from Region 3 (New York City). At this point in time I have completed my patient service management, food service management, community, and CNM rotations. I’m currently in basic clinical at SUNY Downstate Medical Center, located in Brooklyn, NY. Approaching my fourth week at Downstate, I can say I’ve had a very positive experience thus far. It is still early in my clinical rotation, but I have already been exposed to the Med/Surg, NICU, pediatric, and dialysis units. Pediatrics has never been an area of interest for me, but I’ve really enjoyed interacting with the younger population and visiting the babies in the NICU. I’ve also had a significant amount of exposure to diabetic patients, which has been helping me develop my motivational interviewing and educating skills. It has been a gratifying experience being able to educate patients on their ability to use food as a way manage their current disease states. When patients gain that understanding, it is the most rewarding feeling.
One challenge that I have faced is this rotation is the COVID numbers rising. I started basic clinical on the Med/Surg floor and it is currently changing into a complete COVID unit. It has been a little scary to be surrounded by the rising number of cases, but my preceptors have done a great job at making sure I am still getting all of the education I need to become a successful RD.
As I continue on with my clinical rotation, I am looking forward to the endless learning that is ahead. Each week I feel I am progressing and getting the most out of this experience. The Sodexo DI has really allowed me to individualize my experience and direct my own learning. I am so glad I was matched to this program and can’t wait for the new experiences ahead!
One challenge that I have faced is this rotation is the COVID numbers rising. I started basic clinical on the Med/Surg floor and it is currently changing into a complete COVID unit. It has been a little scary to be surrounded by the rising number of cases, but my preceptors have done a great job at making sure I am still getting all of the education I need to become a successful RD.
As I continue on with my clinical rotation, I am looking forward to the endless learning that is ahead. Each week I feel I am progressing and getting the most out of this experience. The Sodexo DI has really allowed me to individualize my experience and direct my own learning. I am so glad I was matched to this program and can’t wait for the new experiences ahead!
