llo! My name is Melissa Hughes and I am a Sodexo Dietetic Internships distance intern located in San Diego. I have just finished my basic clinical rotation at Sharp Memorial Hospital. In the short time I have been there, I have had so many incredible experiences.
The first week of my clinical rotation was completed at Sharp Mesa Vista, which is a psychiatric hospital specializing in mental health, substance abuse, and eating disorders. In addition to providing patients with nutrition education and helping the RD teach a class about the importance of nutrition during substance abuse recovery, I had the unique opportunity to watch a psychiatrist perform electroconvulsive therapy.
At Sharp Memorial hospital, I have attended interdisciplinary meetings with doctors, nursing managers, pharmacists, foodservice managers, physical therapists, and case managers. I have also attended a TPN meeting during which ICU dietitians and the nutrition management physician discuss patients for which TPN may be appropriate. I have conducted nutrition assessments and follow ups on a wide range of patients, including those recovering from chemotherapy, stroke, craniotomy, trauma, sepsis, cirrhosis, chronic kidney disease, adverse outcomes of bariatric surgery, and small bowel obstruction. I regularly participate in patient rounds at the bedside and I recently observed a speech and swallow evaluation.
I have worked with five preceptors so far, all of whom are very knowledgeable, encouraging, and willing to answer all of my questions. I am so thankful for the support of the clinical nutrition staff at Sharp Memorial Hospital and look forward to all of the experiences to come throughout the rest of my rotations with Sodexo Dietetic Internships.
The first week of my clinical rotation was completed at Sharp Mesa Vista, which is a psychiatric hospital specializing in mental health, substance abuse, and eating disorders. In addition to providing patients with nutrition education and helping the RD teach a class about the importance of nutrition during substance abuse recovery, I had the unique opportunity to watch a psychiatrist perform electroconvulsive therapy.
At Sharp Memorial hospital, I have attended interdisciplinary meetings with doctors, nursing managers, pharmacists, foodservice managers, physical therapists, and case managers. I have also attended a TPN meeting during which ICU dietitians and the nutrition management physician discuss patients for which TPN may be appropriate. I have conducted nutrition assessments and follow ups on a wide range of patients, including those recovering from chemotherapy, stroke, craniotomy, trauma, sepsis, cirrhosis, chronic kidney disease, adverse outcomes of bariatric surgery, and small bowel obstruction. I regularly participate in patient rounds at the bedside and I recently observed a speech and swallow evaluation.
I have worked with five preceptors so far, all of whom are very knowledgeable, encouraging, and willing to answer all of my questions. I am so thankful for the support of the clinical nutrition staff at Sharp Memorial Hospital and look forward to all of the experiences to come throughout the rest of my rotations with Sodexo Dietetic Internships.
