Hi everyone! My name is Lindsey O’Neill, and I am from Region 4. Before the start of the internship I was excited but nervous. After the first week of my clinical rotation, I was not only still excited but no longer nervous, and rather eager to continue learning every day. All of the hospital staff were extremely welcoming and made me feel very comfortable. I had a great feeling of accomplishment and felt thrilled at the amount of information I had learned at the end of each day. My preceptors motivated me, which helped to build my confidence in the work I performed.
Two highlights of my clinical rotation include observing a barium swallow evaluation and a bariatric gastric sleeve surgery, both of which were extremely informative. After watching the barium swallow evaluation, I was able to better understand the diagnosis for dysphagia as well as other oral and esophageal conditions. In addition to observing the bariatric surgery, I worked with a bariatric outpatient registered dietitian that conducted nutrition counseling sessions post operation. Through these opportunities, I was able to truly comprehend the extensive process patients undergo before, during, and after bariatric surgery.
Shortly after a few weeks of hands on experience, I was sent home from my clinical rotation due to the pandemic. Fortunately, I was able to return to my clinical site two months later to continue. Although my time during the clinical rotation was paused due to the pandemic, I was able to continue internship hours through online webinars, assignments, and case studies. Sodexo’s Internship has provided me with the tools and resources I have needed during the past few months. After a few weeks spent at home working online, more sites were able and willing to accept interns again. Fellow interns and I were given the opportunity to present at a local pulmonary rehab center on the importance of proper nutrition while living with pulmonary disease. We performed three presentations that were simple, yet fun and insightful for the patients in terms of understanding appropriate nutrition basics and importance.
Given all of the recent uncertainties and unknowns, I am extremely grateful to be a part of Sodexo’s dietetic internship with committed directors that have been guiding me along the way during this unprecedented time.
Two highlights of my clinical rotation include observing a barium swallow evaluation and a bariatric gastric sleeve surgery, both of which were extremely informative. After watching the barium swallow evaluation, I was able to better understand the diagnosis for dysphagia as well as other oral and esophageal conditions. In addition to observing the bariatric surgery, I worked with a bariatric outpatient registered dietitian that conducted nutrition counseling sessions post operation. Through these opportunities, I was able to truly comprehend the extensive process patients undergo before, during, and after bariatric surgery.
Shortly after a few weeks of hands on experience, I was sent home from my clinical rotation due to the pandemic. Fortunately, I was able to return to my clinical site two months later to continue. Although my time during the clinical rotation was paused due to the pandemic, I was able to continue internship hours through online webinars, assignments, and case studies. Sodexo’s Internship has provided me with the tools and resources I have needed during the past few months. After a few weeks spent at home working online, more sites were able and willing to accept interns again. Fellow interns and I were given the opportunity to present at a local pulmonary rehab center on the importance of proper nutrition while living with pulmonary disease. We performed three presentations that were simple, yet fun and insightful for the patients in terms of understanding appropriate nutrition basics and importance.
Given all of the recent uncertainties and unknowns, I am extremely grateful to be a part of Sodexo’s dietetic internship with committed directors that have been guiding me along the way during this unprecedented time.
