I am happy to report that I have updated my practical guide for student dietitians. Here is a short preview: Abstract: Working in long-term care for over thirty years has been rewarding and challenging. I'm amazed at how many things have changed since I began. For example, when I started, there were no clear … Continue reading ACE YOUR LTC ROTATION WITH THIS PRACTICAL GUIDE
It’s a good idea to connect with a Registered Dietitian if you are a student in the field of dietetics. That way, you have an idea of the daily job duties. There are many ways to do this. I have mentored students of friends and those who randomly called a facility where I have worked. … Continue reading Networking: Ways to Connect with RDNs
Giving nutritional advice is not just telling the patient or client what to eat and not to eat. It is a lot about getting to know the person and meet them where they are at.Melany Rivera When I applied to go to Middle Tennessee State University, I did not realize the plethora of experience that … Continue reading Stepping into a Dietitian’s Shoes for Fifteen Minutes By Melany Rivera
The Importance of Meal Rounds in Long-Term Care.The Art of Communicating in a Long-Term Care Setting.Interprofessional Relationships in Long-Term Care.Helpful Resources for Students and Intern.What to Expect as a Long-Term Care Intern.
At some point in your educational career as a dietetics student, you’ll likely serve as an intern in a long-term care facility. Some classes may even require you to gain supervised experience as a student before your dietetic internship begins. I recently had the opportunity to work with my preceptor, Doreen Rodo, in this … Continue reading Topic 5: What to Expect as a Long-Term Care Intern by Jessie Donaldson
While working with my preceptor in a long-term care facility, I found several resources to be helpful to have on hand. These included a few handy pocket guides, a useful app on my phone, some evidence-based websites, and my go-to textbook. The resources a student or intern finds most helpful will depend on the … Continue reading Topic 4: Helpful Resources for Students and Interns by Jessie Donaldson
Effective communication lies at the core of every patient interaction. For RDs and interns in long-term care (LTC) facilities, there are some unique challenges to overcome when communicating with residents. During my time as a student-intern, I learned about these obstacles and saw the unique ways in which they can be overcome. Factors that … Continue reading Topic 2: The Art of Communication in a Long-Term Care Setting by Jessie Donaldson, Student Intern
Dietitians in all fields rely on interprofessional collaboration, and this is clearly necessitated in long-term care (LTC) settings. LTC RDNs utilize ongoing relationships with allied healthcare providers to deliver comprehensive and effective patient care. The outline below describes the ways in which these professionals work together. Foodservice Manager (FSM) The FSM is the person with whom the RDN works with most closely. The FSM is in charge of all … Continue reading Topic 3: Interprofessional Relationships in Long-Term Care by Jessie Donaldson, Student Dietitian
4/20/2020 Topic 1: The Importance of Meal Rounds in Long-Term Care Long-term care RDNs rely heavily on observation to identify and address feeding issues in residents. As a student, I was surprised to find just how important meal rounds are. As I assisted my preceptor in meal rounds, I learned a lot about the … Continue reading An intern’s perspective: Series written by Jessie Donaldson (Part 1 of 5)
