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