My name is Michelle Anderson and I am a Sodexo Distance intern located in Connecticut. I am currently half way through my clinical rotation completing my intermediate section at Saint Francis Hospital. I can honestly say it has been very challenging with lots to learn as I have worked with various dietitians and learned different styles and methods of practicing nutrition therapy. I have thoroughly enjoyed interacting with patients, getting to understand their medical history and how I might best add value to their treatment using nutrition therapies.
One of my most prized interventional weapons has become nutrition supplements. Whether it is an elderly patient with decreased appetite and severe weight loss, or a patient that is NPO after bowel surgery, I have come to realize the importance of nutrition supplements as a powerful tool that can bring about measurable change. Getting to know the various supplement options was a challenge at first, with the large variety of options and flavors, however, I can now cite the calories and protein content of most supplements with my eyes closed!
Initially, I admit, I felt a bit like a bartender offering patients a particular “drink”. Now I recognize how enteral nutrition supplements for patients in the acute setting can be just as important as fruits and vegetables to the health of regular individuals. As far as parenteral nutrition goes, I have come to learn and appreciate the different formulations and options available to meet the unique needs of critically ill patients.
Overall, I am learning so much about feeding patients at a time when they may be unable to do so themselves. I am now looking forward to the advanced portion of my clinical rotation where I anticipate learning even more about utilizing nutrition support to save the lives of critically ill patients.
One of my most prized interventional weapons has become nutrition supplements. Whether it is an elderly patient with decreased appetite and severe weight loss, or a patient that is NPO after bowel surgery, I have come to realize the importance of nutrition supplements as a powerful tool that can bring about measurable change. Getting to know the various supplement options was a challenge at first, with the large variety of options and flavors, however, I can now cite the calories and protein content of most supplements with my eyes closed!
Initially, I admit, I felt a bit like a bartender offering patients a particular “drink”. Now I recognize how enteral nutrition supplements for patients in the acute setting can be just as important as fruits and vegetables to the health of regular individuals. As far as parenteral nutrition goes, I have come to learn and appreciate the different formulations and options available to meet the unique needs of critically ill patients.
Overall, I am learning so much about feeding patients at a time when they may be unable to do so themselves. I am now looking forward to the advanced portion of my clinical rotation where I anticipate learning even more about utilizing nutrition support to save the lives of critically ill patients.
