Hi! My name is Lindsay Levitz and I am a region 4 Fall 2021-Spring 2022 intern based out of Pennsylvania. I am currently in my second to last rotation, and I cannot believe the internship is already coming to an end. The countless great experiences I have had are ones that will always abide with me, which started out with long-term care where I was conducting nutrition assessments in my very first week. Following long-term care, I completed my food service management and patient services rotations where you would find me in the kitchen preparing omelets and pancakes, conducting meal round audits, and engaging with the residents.
Next came my clinical rotation, which was the one I was most excited for, but nervous for at the same time. I completed my clinical rotation at a 730-bed hospital and vividly remember anxiously walking in the first day meeting at least 12 registered dietitians. I was lucky enough to be able to spend time with each and every one-of-a-kind, unique dietitian. While each preceptor had their own ways of working, they all took the time to dig deep into patient charts with me, continuously go into patient rooms alongside me to help enhance my patient interview skills ensuring I did not miss one single question, and review the charting I had completed. Being at such a large, fast-paced hospital was intimidating at first, but after being there for over 4 months I have become more comfortable and confident each day. This populous setting provided me with the opportunity to see a PICC line placement, oversee a patient get intubated, assist in ordering TPNs, and so much more.
I was fortunate enough to be able to stay at the hospital for an additional 4 weeks to complete my pediatric concentration. I am currently in my last week of my pediatrics concentration and it is bittersweet that it is coming to an end. From attending NICU rounds, pediatric grand rounds, OT evaluations, and SLP video swallow study to diagnosing malnutrition in pediatric patients, I could not say enough. For National Nutrition Month I created goodie bags for the pediatric patients. Delivering these to the sick children and seeing how thrilled they were for a little goodie bag would make my day.
My advice for future interns is to ask questions, say yes to any opportunities, and to not be too hard on yourself. Remind yourself that you are here to learn and get as much out of this amazing opportunity that you can. Each rotation is supposed to be new and challenging, so it is more than okay to feel like a beginner. My preceptors continuously say it is impossible to know everything and that they continue to learn more every day. Learning is a part of life and building on all of the knowledge is what will allow you to grow into becoming a registered dietitian in the near future!
Next came my clinical rotation, which was the one I was most excited for, but nervous for at the same time. I completed my clinical rotation at a 730-bed hospital and vividly remember anxiously walking in the first day meeting at least 12 registered dietitians. I was lucky enough to be able to spend time with each and every one-of-a-kind, unique dietitian. While each preceptor had their own ways of working, they all took the time to dig deep into patient charts with me, continuously go into patient rooms alongside me to help enhance my patient interview skills ensuring I did not miss one single question, and review the charting I had completed. Being at such a large, fast-paced hospital was intimidating at first, but after being there for over 4 months I have become more comfortable and confident each day. This populous setting provided me with the opportunity to see a PICC line placement, oversee a patient get intubated, assist in ordering TPNs, and so much more.
I was fortunate enough to be able to stay at the hospital for an additional 4 weeks to complete my pediatric concentration. I am currently in my last week of my pediatrics concentration and it is bittersweet that it is coming to an end. From attending NICU rounds, pediatric grand rounds, OT evaluations, and SLP video swallow study to diagnosing malnutrition in pediatric patients, I could not say enough. For National Nutrition Month I created goodie bags for the pediatric patients. Delivering these to the sick children and seeing how thrilled they were for a little goodie bag would make my day.
My advice for future interns is to ask questions, say yes to any opportunities, and to not be too hard on yourself. Remind yourself that you are here to learn and get as much out of this amazing opportunity that you can. Each rotation is supposed to be new and challenging, so it is more than okay to feel like a beginner. My preceptors continuously say it is impossible to know everything and that they continue to learn more every day. Learning is a part of life and building on all of the knowledge is what will allow you to grow into becoming a registered dietitian in the near future!
