RD Day at the Capital was a great experience. The state capitol building was breathtaking and it was empowering to see where the state's government officials work everyday. That bringing the ADA's nutrition messages to government officials was more tangible and real than I expected. You are literally able to sit in government officials' offices and talk to them about nutrition policy.
It helped me to realize that any goal, no matter how intimidating it may seem, is doable and within reach. The important thing to know is that you just have to reach. I was informed of potential job opportunities by preceptors and dietetic internship staff. It taught me to trust my gut instinct and be confident in my nutrition knowledge. Also, the experience taught me to let go of perfectionism and adapt in the midst of constant change.
Getting to meet so many people in the field of dietetics. I was blessed to meet so many wonderful, helpful and encouraging people during my internship.
I learned that networking is key to building your new career and to continue to learn and challenge yourself.
By having support and learning from others who have gone down similar paths that I have. Also having the knowledge right there and knowing who I can ask for if I desire more information. I was able to work in a WIC clinic, for Burgerville, and even go to India and teach nutrition classes. The opportunities are really endless if you have the passion and drive to make it work for you.
To have confidence in myself and my abilities. I learned I could jump into ANY situation and take on tasks I never thought I would be able to do. Not that I thrived at all my tasks, but I worked hard and accomplished more goals then I ever imagined.
The internship is really what you make of it. If you have a passion tell someone, see what can be done to get you moving in that direction. Ask LOTS of questions!
My favorite experiences from the internship were my outpatient diabetes rotations with Julia Hanfling and Jodi Moon. They provided a comforting yet challenging educational experience for me.
I learned that every patient who walked through the door was in need of something a little different, and therefore how to individualize my plan of care for each patient instead of educating everyone the same.
These experiences have helped me to develop a variety of goals. I now know what type of characteristics I look for in a future boss/employer and the type of career path I hope to follow. A variety of opportunities for networking within the profession were offered to us such as visiting the capital to communicate with various political figures, attending the ODA/WSDA annual conference, etc.
The internship taught me that I am able to accomplish great things even if road blocks are put up along the way!
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to intern at OHSU I will forever be grateful. This was an experience unlike any other and challenged me in every way possible.
Experiencing a new site every couple of weeks.
Helping others while advancing career goals.
Seeking areas of interest and incorporating them into the internship (allowed only because of our awesome internship directors who, if you have the drive and desire, will let you take your interests as far as you take them).
Time management, patience, setting realistic goals, working within a time limit, leaving work at work.
Helped me start taking steps into real life/the real world: still a student, yet practically working at the same time and learning to balance personal life with all of this.
Each experience helped me to see more clearly which direction I wanted to head in the field of dietetics.
Helped me to realize that I can combine all passions that I have in life into a career that incorporates them all.
Provided me the opportunity to grow as a person- intellectually and emotionally. Networking.
A great environment to learn from mistakes and learn how to be the best person you can be in a new area of life- the career arena.
I realized that I needed to learn how to set limits for myself. Making living life a priority and not just doing work was a great lesson I learned. Whereas I used to spend any amount of time working on a project- time limits didn't really matter to me as long as I completed the project to the best of my abilities and expectations- I now am able to look at each project in a new way, set realistic time goals for the project that fit my learning style and work ethic, and at the same time not let it take over my life.
Is there something you are interested in? Take the initiative to find more out about it and get involved! Want to see a change happen? Be the change!
If you are interested in working somewhere other than Oregon, start making those contacts while you are in Oregon. You never know who those you work with may be connected to. Have fun, make good friends, and realize that the internship is a 10 month networking opportunity/interview
The opportunity to complete my dietetics training in the combined MS/DI program at OHSU is one that I will be always be thankful for. The internship provided practical experience in all the current areas of dietetics, from patient room service, to lobbying at the state capital and applying the nutrition care process in patient treatment. The course work that the internship provides gives an opportunity to apply what you are learning in rotation to your own professional path; working on community education projects, catering large lunches and working on clinical case studies. The connections and networking that OHSU helps make possible are priceless, meeting RD's from all areas of the state as well as MD's and other medical professionals to the President of the American Dietetic Association, I fell like OHSU provided a strong network to use throughout my practice as an RD. The Masters program has solidified my nutrition knowledge as well as given a strong research based education. Understanding why research is important and how to understand and apply research to my clinical practice will really help make my work as an RD the most current evidenced based practice that it can be.
