I just finished my clinical rotation and it has been a whirlwind experience. Looking back, I can’t believe how nervous I was about starting my clinical rotation; since my concentration is Health and Wellness, I thought that I wouldn’t enjoy clinical. I was honestly surprised by how fast I began enjoying my clinical rotation, which reiterates that it’s best to approach things with an open mind. I realized that I was going to love my clinical rotation by the second week when I began seeing patients on my own. I love interacting with people; I love the counseling and teaching aspects of being a Registered Dietitian. I fully enjoyed my clinical experience at Flushing Hospital. I participated in a nutrition focused physical examination to assess for malnutrition, which reinforced what I already knew about myself: I don’t like touching people. It is very uncomfortable, but I was excited for the experience.
I also got the opportunity to lead weekly nutrition groups on the psychiatry unit, where I got to choose the topic that I wanted to speak about and present it to the residents in the lounge. I loved that it was on the psychiatry unit because they are a unique bunch and I loved their unpredictability. It reminded me not to take myself too seriously, and I always left smiling. I can recall one group session in which I spoke about smoking and nutrition. The conversation became about whether I prefer to be called black or African American. This brought me to another reason why I enjoy and appreciate being at Flushing Hospital; it serves a very diverse population and that within itself has enriched my experience.
I also got the opportunity to lead weekly nutrition groups on the psychiatry unit, where I got to choose the topic that I wanted to speak about and present it to the residents in the lounge. I loved that it was on the psychiatry unit because they are a unique bunch and I loved their unpredictability. It reminded me not to take myself too seriously, and I always left smiling. I can recall one group session in which I spoke about smoking and nutrition. The conversation became about whether I prefer to be called black or African American. This brought me to another reason why I enjoy and appreciate being at Flushing Hospital; it serves a very diverse population and that within itself has enriched my experience.
Within my clinical rotation, my favorite experience has been my renal rotation at South Nassau Dialysis Center. I absolutely love renal. It’s the perfect combination of outpatient counseling and MNT. I enjoyed it so much that I can envision myself working in this area of nutrition. During my renal rotation I participated in an initial assessment for a new HD patient. It was a great learning experience and a bit emotional. I even got a chance to round with the doctor. I love how closely the doctor and the RD works at the Renal Dialysis center. I was able to flex my creative muscle in designing a holiday inspired nutrition bulletin board, with renal-appropriate holiday meals.
I just started my food service rotation and it is promising to be another exciting experience, in celebration of the Chinese New Year, I helped to decorate a cart and we went around to each floor and handed out cards and mandarin oranges to patients, their families, and staff. Yet another great example of how Flushing Hospital acknowledges and celebrates diversity.
I just started my food service rotation and it is promising to be another exciting experience, in celebration of the Chinese New Year, I helped to decorate a cart and we went around to each floor and handed out cards and mandarin oranges to patients, their families, and staff. Yet another great example of how Flushing Hospital acknowledges and celebrates diversity.
