Just Keep Swimming...

Hello all!

Instead of writing out everything I've been up to, I'm going to post a Bible verse that a dear friend of mine sent me. I think almost everyone can, in some way, relate this verse to their own personal life--

What an excellent verse to remember today and everyday. I pray that all of you take the time to notice the beauty surrounding you admist the curve balls life throws our way. It is so easy to get caught up on earthly matters that we often forget about the GOOD that is happening in our lives. 

Take some time this week (and every week) to focus on what is worthy of praise in your life. Instead of focusing on the challenges of life, I encourage you to spend more energy on the positive aspects of life and to offer up your excitement to God. He'll be more than happy to hear from you! :)

I am alive...I swear!

Hello, hello family and friends!

So, I knew I would fall off of the face of the earth eventually! It was bound to happen. As you can probably guess, I have been incredibly busy! This week marks the mid-point of my clinical rotation! So crazy to think that I have a little over a month left...and scary at the same time! LOTS of projects have yet to be completed/started.

Let's see. Since my last post, I have been in the Med/Surg, Nutrition Support, Long-Term Care, and Rehab units. I've liked certain aspects of each unit. However, I have to say that I really loved long-term care. I think I liked it because I got to be there for two weeks and see if the patients improved with the suggestions I made for them. In the other units, I was only there for a week so I didn't get the opportunity to follow-up and visit the patients more than once. I'm coming to find that I really like the education component of nutrition. I enjoy trying to come up with ways to make small changes in someone's diet and lifestyle. 

This week, I be on the cardiac unit! I've had the opportunity to shadow a RD in this area and I really liked it! I can't wait to be in this unit again.

Overall, I am just trying to keep my head above water. I have a lot to do the next month in a half, but I'm trying to pace myself as much as possible! I've definitely learned a lot about myself in these last few months. I've learned that flexibility is HUGE! I've learned that I can't expect everyone to have Type A traits like myself. That's a big realization.

Anyway, wishing all of you well and hope that you're enjoying the last few weeks of summer!

Katie

Renal Floor...CHECK!

Greetings from Margo!

This week, I actually felt like an inpatient dietitian! I charted and visited patients all week on my own. I never thought that I'd get the hang of things so quickly--granted, I still have a TON to learn. At the beginning of the week, I maybe charted on 2-3 patients, but once Friday rolled around, I took about half of the patients that needed to be seen! It is truly a thrill. I'm going to miss the RD I've been working with for the past week and a half. She was extremely helpful, patient, and knowledgeable. But, I'm excited to see what adventures are in store for me on the medical/surgical floor!

I am really starting to feel at "home" at the hospital. I no longer feel like the new intern...instead, I feel more like an employee. I eat lunch with the other dietitians and talk about nutrition hot topics...it's seriously heaven on earth for me.  :)

God continually reassures me each time I walk through those hospital doors that this is what He has called me to do. Words can't even begin to describe the joy it gives me to serve others in this capacity. 

My experiences this week made me think of this quote:

I most definitely feel alive and I thank God each day for this!

Have a beautiful weekend!

Week One: Under the Belt!

"Uffta" is the first word that comes to mind as I reflect upon my week. It was most definitely a good first week but I don't think I've ever crammed so much information into my head!

MONDAY: On my first day, I met with my preceptor, met the dietitians, got a tour of the hospital, was trained in on how to use the software programs.

So, as most of you know, I tend to have the worst luck in the world sometimes. The hospital I am interning at has MANY campuses in the Fargo area. For the computer training, I had to go to a different campus. I got there just fine and everything...no worries there. But, I sat there for about 20 minutes and the teacher didn't show up! So, I had to go to ANOTHER campus to get trained in. My training was supposed to be 2 hours but it got cut down into a 1 hour crash course. Needless to say, my brain was FRIED at the end of the day!

TUESDAY: I reviewed material on kidney transplantation and went over protocols. My preceptor gave me my first project! A food service worker went around to all of the kitchenettes on all of the floors of the hospital and noted any food safety violations. I compiled the number of violations into an Excel spreadsheet and created a poster with food safety reminders. My preceptor sent out my data and poster to nursing staff and the dietitians. I would have to say that this was the most satisfying part of my week!

WEDNESDAY: I shadowed a dietitian that works with kidney transplant patients. I observed her as she typed her notes into the software programs and asked her questions along the way. 

THURSDAY: I did my first interview with a patient and started to write my own notes for the dietitian to cosign. I was happy to tell people on Thursday that I wrote my first two notes! 

FRIDAY: I helped the dietitian determine which patients to see and I continued to write my own notes. I did FOUR notes on Friday! YAY!

As far as this weekend goes, the interns and I are going to go to a fair in town and see The Band Perry! On Sunday, my roomie and I are going to volunteer for a walk/run/bike event happening. Can't wait to just enjoy myself and kick back a little bit!

Much love!

Katie

Let the Games Begin!

Tomorrow is the day that I have been looking forward to for months...the official beginning of my dietetic internship experience! My excitement is growing by the second! :) I can feel the support of my family and friends like no other. 

This past week, I went home and got to spend the 4th of July with my loved ones. It was so good to take in summer one last time before I work, work, work, WORK! I ate some delicious food, watched my TV shows, went on walks around the neighborhood,  visited my aunt's cabin, saw fireworks, and got together with some of my dearest friends. This week was exactly what I needed!

I can feel God's presence during this process. Amidst the occasional doubts I have, I am putting my complete trust in Him. I know that this is where God wants me to be right now. My passion for nutrition and my desire to become a RD reaffirms me and give me strength. I know that I have the support of not only the "big man upstairs", but of my loved ones. This past week reminded me of the support I have. 

I know this is a shorter post--but, do not worry! I shall be full of updates at the end of the week!

To close, I'm going to share with you a Bible verse that has really touched my heart this
week:

Much love from your fellow RD-in-training,

Katie

One Week Down, 43 to go!

Hi everyone!

Well, I've got one week under my belt! It was most definitely tiring but very fun. We started out the week with a pizza party that included the director of the internship, the food service management preceptor, and the other interns. We all introduced ourselves and ate the BEST ice cream cake I have ever had in my life! It was coffee flavored and had a yummy chocolate crust.

The rest of the week, we reviewed the case studies that we needed to prepare before the internship, went over the projects that will need to be completed throughout the year, had various dietitians come  into speak, and toured the Fargo/Moorhead area (or "Margo" as my roomies and I like to call it) and Concordia. There were also a lot of opportunities for us interns to get to know one another. The day before our tour of "Margo", all of us interns decided that it would be fun to take a stop at the infamous Dairy Queen in Moorhead. This Dairy Queen is a big deal because it is only open for business in the summertime. We also got to go to a local homeless shelter to serve the evening meal. These were both great bonding experiences...we all got to know each other pretty well! We most definitely have a wide variety in terms of personalities and interests and I love it! I can tell that these girls are going to be such a great support system for me this year.

Right now, I'm just taking advantage of this free time before my clinical rotation starts in a little over a week. I've been hanging out with my roommates and getting to know them as well as the other interns. I know that this year is going to be busy, but I'm trying not to worry about it too much. Yes, the internship will require a lot of my time and attention, but I know that it will be an experience of a lifetime. As I mentioned in a previous post, it is best to focus on the here and now rather than stress out about the future...that will take care of itself!

Love from Margo,

Katie

I'm HERE!

Hello, hello blog followers!

I honestly can't think of a creative way to start out this post other then to say I AM HERE! One moving truck, one minivan, and one compact car is what it took to get up here! The whole family helped me with packing, taping boxes, moving large pieces of furniture, putting together furniture, unloading the vehicles, and making this apartment feel as close to home as possible. The move itself went extremely smoothly and I couldn't have done it without my  incredible family members. I am truly blessed beyond words for each and everyone of them.

Last night (Thursday), my mom and Maria (my sister) stayed the night in the apartment with me and my dad and Matt (my brother) stayed in an apartment near by. It was so great to have my mom and Maria here with me on my first night. It was nice to have some company especially since my other roommates won't be here until tomorrow and Sunday. My mom and Maria continued to help me unpack until late into the evening and then they crashed in my living room. 

This morning, we met my dad and Matt for breakfast and then drove past Concordia and Sanford (the site of my clinical rotation). We then came back to the apartment to do a little more unpacking and organizing. 

Once the fam left about midday, I went into town to get groceries and take a drive around the Fargo-Moorhead area. I didn't want to go back to an empty apartment so I did everything I could to keep myself busy. In the few hours I have been here, I have already learned a few things:

1. Fargo and Moorhead are pretty legit places! I was kind of nervous to move up here especially since I know that some people like to poke fun at Fargo (don't worry...I was guilty of it too). But, I have to say, their mall is pretty great! I wandered in there for about two hours! Andddd...Fargo feels very historic. I like it! :) So, I guess the moral of the story is don't judge a place until you scope it out yourself.

2. I DO NOT like living by myself! I'm SO glad that I have roommates! It was weird not coming "home" to anybody. As most of you know, I really like to talk. So, to rid of my loneliness, I called maybe four-five of my friends. That made me feel a little better! Thankfully, one of my roommates will be here tomorrow morning! I'm counting down the hours!

Overall, I'm doing OK. This transition has definitely hit me head on. I am currently experiencing a variety of emotions at one time and it's very bizarre. Thankfully, I have had countless family and friends tell me today, "I am only a phone call away...call anytime you are lonely!" And boy, I plan to take them all up on that!

I ask for your prayers as I enter this week of orientation. I have no doubt in my mind that it will be fun and exciting yet tiring!

Much love,

Katie

A Week Minus a Day!

Hello dear family and friends!

Well, it's officially a week minus a day until I make my big move to Moorhead! I can hardly believe it. To-do lists are growing by the minute, but I'm trying to make some time for relaxation too (probably more than my mother would like--love you, Mom)! I've been taking advantage of cable TV by watching my favorite shows on Food Network and TLC. Boy, am I going to miss those! But hey, might as well soak in some laziness now because starting July 8th (the official start of my first rotation), Concordia's dietetic internship will have my full attention.

Nothing really new has happened since my last post--although, I did get my tentative orientation schedule and an internet provider figured out! Those are both GREAT things. I just got back from some time away in Wisconsin and now I'm just hitting the ground running on completing my case studies and writing checks left and right (not so fun). 

Right now, I am feeling anxious-excited. I sometimes worry that I will forget to pay an important payment or show up at orientation without some important paperwork. But, I know things will get done. I'm kind of anxious about starting off with my clinical rotation too--I will be in an actual hospital applying all that I've learned in my four years of undergrad. I have had nightmares about over-hydrating a patient or giving them a food they are allergic to. But, I need to remember too that this is a learning experience and I have extremely experienced dietitians by my side. I know that St. Ben's has trained me well!

Anyway, better get back to work!

Until my next post,

Katie

#dietitianproblems?

Hello everyone!

First of all, happy Friday! It's nice to see the sun finally out after days of gloominess.

This week, I had the pleasure of meeting my roommate, Erin. She is super nice and I can tell that we're going get along great! We're both very organized and studious, but like to squeeze in time for fun and relaxation. 

Here's an example of how compatible we are. I knew we hit it off when we both confessed that we each made our own individual Microsoft Excel schedules of when her, Anne (my other roommate), and myself have our rotations. As most of you know, I LOVE to organize--especially through color coordinating. Come and see my closet sometime--it's GORGEOUS! 

Also, I brought up one serious concern I had--me taking up the vegetable drawer in the refrigerator. I thought that this was worth bringing up since we are both foodies. Most roommates talk about cleanliness, daily schedules and what not (don't worry--we talked a little bit about that too), but dietetic interns on the other hand talk about their concerns of "hogging" the vegetable drawer in the refrigerator.

#futuredietitianproblems? I think yes.

Other then that, I have been working away on my case studies (I have 4/6 pretty much done!) and trying to figure out which cable company has the best deal in the Fargo/Moorhead area. (Wow, I just sounded REALLY adult-ish)! That's a task for next week though! :)

This weekend, I'm looking forward to spending some more time with my family and friends. I have 20 days and I'm planning on using them wisely! 

Wishing everyone a fabulous weekend!

Katie

Living in the Present

Hello blog followers!

Well, I just got hit with a dose of reality yesterday when my internship director sent out a large email containing paperwork and case studies to complete. I have HOMEWORK already, my friends! Is it strange that I'm excited about it? I can't wait to just spend my afternoons sipping coffee, calculating fluid needs, and writing PES statements. I know. I'm a nutrition nerd and proud of it! :) I can't WAIT to fully immerse myself into this internship!

On top of this, my mother has so graciously reminded me that I need to make a ton of appointments while I'm home (doctor, hair, etc.). My to-do list is just growing by the minute! Also, apartment furnishings still have yet to be figured out. Mom and I hope to check out some used furniture places this weekend. And, I hope to go shopping for dress clothes to wear to my sites! YAY!

Overall, I'm trying my best to really live in the present and not focus too much on the future. I've learned over the years that worrying about the future too much only causes great anxiety. While there is a lot of uncertainty,  I know at this point in time some things are out of my control. So, to keep me focused on the present, I've been making it a priority to spend time with my family and friends. I have been spending the evenings with my family just relaxing, watching our favorite TV shows, and chatting. Also, my planner is packed with coffee and dinner dates with some of my closest Visitation and St. Ben's/St. John's friends. It is extremely important to me that I spend time with those people that have been with me throughout this journey. My family and friends mean the world to me and I want to make sure that I make time for them.

To close, I'd like to share this quote from Sophocles,

“Tomorrow is tomorrow.
Future cares have future cures,
And we must mind today.” 

Here's to living in the present!

Katie

Unpacking...or not?

Hello fellow blog followers!

I can officially say that I can see the carpet on the floor of my bedroom now! Yay! Items that I don't need while I'm home are pushed into the basement until June 20th rolls around. Unpacking was most definitely interesting in that I realized that it wasn't necessary to unload everything. It's weird because my own house that I've lived in since 1998 is my temporary place of dwelling until the big move to Moorhead. Granted, I have been in and out of my house since college started--but this time, it just feels especially odd. I guess it's me just realizing that I am slowly moving away from the nest and growing up!

This past week, I have really just devoted my time to getting sleep, catching up on "Glee" and "New Girl", and looking up apartment furniture. Just a quick plug--if anyone has a TV stand or bar stools sitting around, please let me know! :) My mom has really brought me down to earth during this process. I've been envisioning my apartment to be of HGTV quality. In my mind, I want a beautiful dining room table, couch, and sitting chairs. Instead, my mom brings me down from my cloud and shows me a white folding table in the basement and says, "This can be in the dining room area!" After giving her kind of a "look", she reminds me that this apartment is only temporary and where in the world would we store a nice dining room table anyway? Point taken, Mom. Point taken.

And, yes, it is my 22nd birthday today! It feels like all of these celebrations are stacking up on one another! I'm kind of celebrated out from graduation and whatnot. But hey, I guess I can take one more! I'm looking forward to spending time with my family and my dear Bennie friend Leah tonight over dinner and ice cream cake! It shall be a blast!

Peacing out for now!

Love,

Katie

How Can it Be?!

Hello beloved family and friends!

Welcome to my blog! I decided to start this because I realize that this next step I am taking in my life is HUGE! By this time next year, I will be a graduate from Concordia College-Moorhead's Dietetic Internship program and preparing myself to take the RD (Registered Dietitian) exam. Once I pass this exam, I can officially call myself Katie Callahan, RD, LD! For those of you who are not familiar with the path to becoming a Registered Dietitian, let me explain.

So, I just completed the first step of my journey by graduating from St. Ben's.  Woot woot to completing an undergraduate degree with a major in nutrition and a concentration in dietetics and a minor in psychology. Now, I will be embarking on a dietetic internship through Concordia College-Moorhead.  In order for me to get the RD, LD credential, I need to complete this year long, unpaid internship. I got placed at Concordia this past April and I couldn't be more excited!

I will be moving into my new apartment (!!!) in Moorhead around June 20th. Orientation starts on Monday, June 24th. The internship is split up into three sections: clinical , food service, and community. Each last for about 4-5 months. 

My first rotation will be my clinical rotation at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, ND (about 10 minutes from Moorhead). Here, I will follow dietitians, perform nutritional assessments, and work in a variety of different units throughout the hospital (cardiac, oncology, pediatrics, etc.). This goes from early July to early October.

Next, I will start my community rotation. I will start out at Fargo Public Health for the first half and then move to Ogema, MN to intern at White Earth Indian Reservation. After this, I will have my food service rotation in Concordia's on-campus dining facility.

Sorry this is so long! I will update this blog as much as possible! I want to give a shout out to my mom, dad, and siblings. They have been an incredible support system for me. Also, I want to shout out to all of my fellow Bennie/Johnnie Class of 2013 graduates! Thanks for making these past four years the best one's of my life!

Signing off for now!

Katie