For my outpatient experience, I was able to spend a week at an outpatient diabetes center, and 40 hours with outpatient classes and counseling at a hospital. I was able to sit in on multiple classes and one-on-one counseling sessions for patients with diabetes, cancer, eating disorders, and food allergies, as well as those seeking to lose weight.
Outpatient CounselingI spent a week at an outpatient diabetes education center, and forty hours at the hospital. I was able to sit in on numerous outpatients and see several dietitians do the counseling. From the patients, I chose two patients to follow with a nutrition care plan form, one at the diabetes center and one at the hospital. I was able to get a broad experience, seeing multiple sessions for each condition. I also was able to make several handouts for patients, including two handouts for a patient with eosinophilic esophagitis. One was tips, and one was an allergen-free menu. I was able to adjust this menu for multiple other clients throughout my time at the hospital.
|
Diabetes ClassAt the hospital, they have a 2 week outpatient diabetes class. It is a 6 hour class that covers everything from what to eat to what the medications are. It is an accredited program with certain material that needs to be covered during the time. They are looking at ways to make their class more interesting. As part of these efforts, they are creating a Jeopardy style PowerPoint. I helped create a PowerPoint that they are considering adding as part of their curriculum.
|
Diabetes for a WeekDuring my time at the outpatient center, I was asked to act as if I had diabetes for the week. I was given a blood glucose monitor and multiple sheets to track my blood glucose, as well as what I ate. I learned a lot from this experience, and felt I was better able to empathize with those I did counseling with. It also allowed me to give new patients tips on how to test their blood glucose and how to use their blood glucose monitor. I also had the chance to use a practice insulin pen to see how they work, and what the needle is like. This allowed me to help with client education during some of the outpatient sessions I attended.
|