Rebecca Schlarman, Clinical Dietitian (Left) and Sharon Vance, Dietetic Intern (Right) As a dietetic intern, we are trained to look at all the details: the diet order, specific labs, procedures, both past and future, weight changes, medications, etc. If one detail is overlooked, the wrong recommendations might be given, which could be disastrous. As I ended my advanced clinical rotation and started my MNT concentration hours, details became even more important. These patients were critically ill and needed me to be their nutritional advocate. As I was writing my notes, my preceptor noted that I took an exceptionally long time to complete my charting. I was concerned about not missing any details. I found myself double and triple checking all past notes and labs. She commented that I wasn’t missing the little things but I needed to look at the “big picture”. Yes, the patients’ needs were being met with the enteral nutrition recommendations I was giving but what was the end goal? What was I striving for? What kind of diet does the patient require when he doesn’t need nutrition support anymore? Will he still need nutrition support when he is no longer intubated, if so what kind and what if he doesn’t pass his swallow evaluation, then what? She asked me these questions over and over. I’m now at the end of my concentration hours and I get it. Look at the big picture.
I’ve learned to pay attention to the details, but I no longer stress about them so much that I lose focus on the big picture. I have come to realize that I can apply this same principle to most aspects of my everyday life. I don’t get as frustrated when I lose a game in tennis, I strive to win the set. If I burn the rolls, is the whole dinner ruined? Right now, my “big picture” is to be an RD and help people heal. So, I ask you, what is your big picture?
I’ve learned to pay attention to the details, but I no longer stress about them so much that I lose focus on the big picture. I have come to realize that I can apply this same principle to most aspects of my everyday life. I don’t get as frustrated when I lose a game in tennis, I strive to win the set. If I burn the rolls, is the whole dinner ruined? Right now, my “big picture” is to be an RD and help people heal. So, I ask you, what is your big picture?
