Shadowing at Carillon Roanoke Memorial Hospital Roanoke, VA May 2015
I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to shadow a registered dietitian at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. Most of the patients that she worked with were in the Cardiac and Neurosurgery department. We reviewed each patient’s medical history and physician notes. She would explain the effects of medication and surgery on the physiology of patients. Based on all the given condition, we would then calculate the daily caloric intake needs, macronutrients, and appropriate tube feeding rates. Eventually, we would select the appropriate nutrition support formula for tube feeding. My favorite part of shadowing was observing the interaction between the registered dietitian and patients. She would visit patients individually and monitor their progress with the prescribed diet. Watching her interact with patients, I learned the value of patience and being observant when working in a clinical setting. I was also able to observe technical procedures such as the insertion of a feeding tube by physicians. My shadowing experience has helped me to gain insight into what it’s like to work in a hospital. The knowledge I gained here will assist me in any job I work at in the future.