Going with the Flow X10!

Well, I’m not actually sure where I should begin here because we have all had to learn to go with the flow more than usual this year (Hello 2020)! but boy have I learned how to go with flow in an entirely new way during my internship and I think it might just be giving me grey hair and major wrinkles... !

But I keep telling myself it will be worth it come June when I’m one step closer to reaching my RD goals!

My first rotation was somewhat virtual which was nice. My preceptor was a one man show running his own business during COVID, so I learned quickly to respect the demands on his schedule and work independently on the research projects we talked about. I ended up having a few text conversations with him but most of the work I did for this corporate wellness rotation was doing my own research and creating my own projects to meet the curriculum which he helped brainstorm and generate ideas that would be helpful for him.

Having this much freedom in my first rotation was actually quite challenging for me because I like to be told what to do and have specific expectations to meet. Because this was my first rotation, I was expecting hands on instruction and guidance but realized quickly I was on my own for this part of the rotation.

Below is part of a presentation I put together that focused on ways corporate wellness is changing due to COVID.

At the end of the 4 weeks, I did learn a lot about metabolic testing, the changing corporate wellness scene due to COVID, as well as how to utilize LinkedIn to network with other professionals to build up my professional network and expand my presence online in a more professional way. So as challenging as it was to have so much freedom within my first rotation, I learned a lot, especially that sometimes a preceptor’s response timeline is not the same as mine, so you make the best out of the situation!

My 2nd rotation was also virtual (I seriously love virtual rotations by the way!) with a dietitian who has her own practice focusing on eating disorders (ED). I absolutely loved this rotation, which I was surprised because I never would have thought that I liked working with eating disorder clients, but the work the RD does is so inspiring. I was able to sit in on a few counseling sessions and even help counsel a client over zoom! I learned a lot about motivational interviewing and how to incorporate it into counseling clients with ED. I would say motivational interviewing was the main way my preceptor would help her clients and gather information about them without making it seem like she was actually interviewing them.

This work was really rewarding for me and being able to connect with the clients each week and see their growth over such a short time really recharged my drive for why I started the path towards becoming an RD in the first place!

Here's a picture of me enjoying the sunshine and reading my preceptors book!

My preceptor gave me a copy of her book Permission To Eat, which is an eating disorder help book that was written in a way that was informative but also like talking to a best friend! I can really see how much this book could help someone struggling with an ED and provide insight into the behaviors and struggles, for their family and friends.

Currently I am at my foodservice rotation at Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center. Before I started, getting in touch with anyone there was a struggle for me as there had been some recent changes with employees but after the first few days I started to learn the dynamics! So far, I have worked with the diet aids going to patient rooms and was able to serve their meals as well as learn how the café works in the hospital such as the cashier side of things and serving the employees of the hospital.

Above is the cashiers view. Here is a peak at what the cashier sees every day. Not only did I work as a cashier I also learned the software to make changes to this menu because the prices had been wrong for weeks and the menu was getting revamped, so I helped to make those changes.

Below I am using software called Webtrition to edit the menu.

I recently worked on marketing Thanksgiving meals that the foodservice staff offered to families at the hospital which was a blast because I was able to use my creative side more, which I love!

But if I had to say what the most important thing I have learned about this internship, it would be to stay FLEXIBLE! At this rotation I have no schedule...my start and end times change almost daily. For me that’s the toughest part... I do best when I have a schedule to stick to.

I’ve gone in at 5am and stayed until 4pm on some days and others I go in at 8 and leave by 1. It honestly all depends (I always bring like 5 meals just in case lol!). I’m exhausted but that’s all part of the process! Oh, and I’ve learned hairnets are not a good look on me!

Just remember to take time for yourself too! Get outside, take a walk, go biking, hiking, to the beach or even grocery shopping! Just remember self-care is just as important as learning all of these new skills!

The view from the top of Bishop Peak in San Luis Obispo is worth the hike.