What I Learned from my Dietetic Internship
Hey everybody!
It’s been a while, hasn’t it??
Hope you’re all doing well! Can’t believe I only have 5 weeks left of my dietetic internship. It went fast, but at the same time, I feel like I’be been in it for FOREVER. I know the DICAS deadline was just a few days ago, so I thought I’d do a little write up of everything I’ve learned throughout this crazy process in order to prepare you for what is to come ;)
1. You’re not going to love every rotation.
There were a few rotations that I absolutely dreaded. I would just sit in my car in the parking lot until theeee last possible second before I had to go in. There was even one day during my 2nd week of my internship were I just came home crying due to frustration (not my finest moment). But guess what? It doesn’t last forever! Some days just feel so long, but you have to remind yourself that you aren’t going to be there forever and that better rotations are ahead.
2. You will find things you had no idea you would love.
My first day in the ICU, I was absolutely terrified. I didn’t want to look at anything (I clearly didn’t make this obvious to my preceptors, but I was definitely freaking out in my head) and I went home thinking about every single patient I saw that day. I hated it! But guess what? That ended up being one of my favorite rotations once I got used to it. I even spent a few extra days there since I ended up loving it so much. Don’t make up your mind about things right away!
3. Your preceptors are either the best people ever, or the worst.
I’ve had preceptors who are absolutely incredible, and I’ve also had some that don’t really care all that much. Some preceptors you will look up to, while others will be reminders of how you don’t want to be. You don’t have to be best friends with the tough ones, but remember to always write a thank you card. And bring cake to your favorite ones, because nothing says “I love you, please hire me in the future” like a nice piece of cake ;)
4. Treat yo’self
You’re working your butt off, so remember to give yourself a little something now and again. Your budget might be close to nonexistent, but a little coffee, pair of shoes, or a new pair of workout pants can do wonders.
5. Remember to workout!
I was worried about finding time to workout during my internship, because that was literally the only thing that keeps me sane. There are days when I would wake up at 5am just to haul myself to the gym. You might be half awake, but it’s really the best way to start the day and you won’t have to worry about doing it later when you get off. And if you can’t make it to the gym, Tone it Up YouTube videos were my saving grace.
6. You don’t know everything.
Of course you want to impress your preceptors, but don’t do it by spouting off everything you know about a particular subject. There are times where you just need to be quiet and listen to what they have to say. There is a time and a place to show off what you know, and they probably won’t be too eager to teach you if you come off as a know it all. On the other hand, don’t be afraid to ask questions. I probably asked 100 questions every single day during my clinical rotations. If you don’t ask, you’ll never know, right?
7. Nobody knows everything.
At the same time, it’s also important to remember that nobody knows everything, so don’t be shy when you’re asking questions or too intimidated by someone. Some of my preceptors who have been in the field for 30+ years still have to look things up if they aren’t sure on a subject. Better safe than sorry! Nobody is impressed if you pretend you know something and then screw it up because you were too afraid to look it up or ask.
8. Reach out to others where you are working at.
During my clinical rotations, I learned so much from doctors, nurses, PTs, etc. You might be afraid at first to talk to others outside of your preceptors, but you can really learn a lot from them. I loved going to rounds during my clinical rotations, because each profession got to share so many different things that I learned so much from.
9. Take opportunities!
I had a couple opportunities to scrub into a few different surgeries, and I am so glad I did! I used to be so freaked out and intimidated by anything surgery related but now I wish I could go back to school and be a surgeon (transplant surgeon especially. But that’s another day, another blog post ;). The first one I scrubbed in on, I was convinced that I would just pass out...or throw up. I was shaking for the first 20 minutes I was in there. But it was seriously the coolest thing I’ve ever seen! It gives you a whole new perspective and appreciation for the miracle of medicine.
10. Don’t have the “I’m working for free” attitude.
Seriously, just don’t. Yes, you are technically working for free (or in many cases, paying to work there), but don’t have that mindset. You’ll just get resentful and hate everything. You’re working for experiences that will make you an excellent future dietitian #amiright
11. Have fun with your fellow interns.
Get to know the other interns in your group. My internship group did our grad school work first, so we got to know each other in our classes. But during the internship, we met every so often for happy hours and it really made it a good experience since we were all mostly friends and it was fun to blow off steam with others who know exactly what we are going through.
12. Enjoy yourself, take pictures, have fun!
Your internship doesn’t last forever (hallelujah), so be sure you are making the most of it. Take pictures, say yes to anything that comes your way, make connections, and leave a good impression.
So that’s that! Crazy that I’m almost done.
Anyone out there apply to internships this round? Let me know!
xoxo,
The Dorm Dietitian
