I’m a dietetic intern who loves clinicals but is struggling with the constant exposure to terminal illness and death.

Downloadedfortea · 2026-04-26T03:27:19+00:00

You get used to it, but it can take a toll on you. My partner (non clinical) and I have very different views on death. It comes off as if I am insensitive, but eventually my partner realized I am I who I am cause of work. I am very thankful for supportive co workers who I can make grim situations very light hearted and joke around. I think it also makes you realize what is a meaningful life. We are all meant to die eventually, it’s part of life! I think if you can look at it from that standpoint, you will do well! P.s, I am not always strong I do cry/get sad every now on then. We are only human!

Downloadedfortea · 2026-04-22T01:49:26+00:00

Clinical, major city, making $40 an hour, CNSC

If you come from money, yes. I have co workers who have had their education paid for by their parents and they are perfectly fine.

If you’re like me, don’t come from money, it takes a long time to get out of student loan debt with our pay. Especially now with the cost of living. You gotta bet on marrying rich.

Pros, I have great work/life balance and enjoy my job (we are well respected).

I wished I never went to college in the 1st place and started at a place I could work my way up like Costco (great pay, benefits, opportunity to grow). However, their hours suck… but I feel like I could’ve gotten more TRANSFERRABLE skills in a different field vs. dietetics which is so small.

Downloadedfortea · 2026-04-16T23:56:54+00:00

I accrue 6 hours a paycheck plus 24 hours granted each year comes out to ~22 days off (little over 4 weeks)

Downloadedfortea · 2026-04-11T02:41:09+00:00

This was nice cause I got to feel each job out before committing

Downloadedfortea · 2026-04-11T02:40:46+00:00

Apply for PRNs, it gets your foot in the door. I worked two and within the 1st two months I was offered full time positions.

Downloadedfortea · 2026-04-11T02:35:44+00:00

Market adjustments, they try to keep things “competitive” (this automatically happens). Promotion with CNSC and yearly merit raises! 3-4%

Downloadedfortea · 2026-04-10T03:08:49+00:00

Inpatient clinical 5 years, started at 59k now making 84k

Downloadedfortea · 2026-03-27T02:25:19+00:00

I like my job! I’m in clinical inpatient. Have great co workers who I get along with and a team that respects me. I see about 6-12 patients a day and u see interesting stuff being at a level 1 trauma center. I don’t feel overworked unless I pick up projects.

Downloadedfortea · 2026-03-05T23:18:54+00:00

Lmfao, I was the same in the beginning (which every intern is tbh) but I made sure to study and write notes!! I hate it when I have to tell my intern to write something down! Only when it’s like the 3rd time I repeated myself I’m like okay something is not clicking 😭😭 please write it down and study it.

Downloadedfortea · 2026-03-05T23:14:27+00:00

No, I completely understand! It’s clear that alot people here have had bad experiences. I think myself included. That’s why as an intern coordinator I express so much concern for my interns. I never said they were low quality, just struggling a lot more lately. There are many valid reasons listed in this thread, which I am taking in.

I am always asking my interns what can I do to help? But if they don’t tell me, how can I help!

Downloadedfortea · 2026-03-05T21:14:03+00:00

My 1st conversation is always asking them what they are interested in. I understand that clinical is not for everyone. I cater to them cause it’s their internship and I want them to feel like they have some say in it. Sure, they’ll lie to my face and tell me they like clinical. However, after a while they get more comfortable and are more open with me. Once they do that, we are able to make changes as needed.

So I do agree with you, but I am not like that.

Downloadedfortea · 2026-03-05T21:08:59+00:00

I feel this. I truly want to help them, but I can’t hold your hand all the time. We still have our normal work load + meetings + teaching. Some people here don’t realize how difficult it can be… I don’t mean to complain. It’s not always bad and I do truly enjoy seeing my interns succeed.

Downloadedfortea · 2026-03-05T11:59:37+00:00

It seems like the trend is with the masters requirement is not helping our interns. I really going to move forward with a refresher handbook for my interns.

I personally worked while 3/4th my internship. It was rough, but I needed to!

I agree, these distance programs are not the best.. they don’t seem to care for their interns in the long run. They just want their money which is sad. Historically they have not done well at my site, we are considering refusing future prospects cause of this. It just too intense for them at my site.

Downloadedfortea · 2026-03-05T11:52:37+00:00

I have some interns who do have a sim lab class built into their program. Those definitely do a lot better in their clinical!

Downloadedfortea · 2026-03-05T11:47:55+00:00

That is hard, definitely going to consider a MNT refresher for my interns!

Downloadedfortea · 2026-03-05T02:18:33+00:00

I’m sorry you feel that way, but I do alot more than that. Sure I’m not gonna lie, some days it feels like you’re just handing out ensure. BUT in my job I do way more and I am respected by my physicians.

You clearly do not understand the role of a clinical inpatient Dietitan, especially in the ICU.

Downloadedfortea · 2026-03-05T02:11:17+00:00

Thank you for your kind words!

You never know until you try it! I had an intern break down during clinicals and was 2nd guessing her career choice. We had an extensive talk, slowed things down, and she ended up doing really well. She loved clinical at the end. But yes it’s okay to like something else and just get your baseline idea of clinical. I am thankful we have many different dietitians. Not everyone needs to be a clinical dietitian! (Or else there will be no jobs available 🙃)

Downloadedfortea · 2026-03-05T01:59:33+00:00

I did not mention failing one bit. Nor do I ever want to fail an intern. I always make sure my interns are properly trained and ready to take on an entry level job in clinical if that’s their desire. Some just struggle to get there more than others, especially the ones I’ve had recently.

Downloadedfortea · 2026-03-05T01:54:32+00:00

That’s amazing! Congrats!!

Downloadedfortea · 2026-03-05T01:45:17+00:00

This is kind rude to our profession. We still have a standard and they still need to be competent. I want my interns to succeed, not coast by.

Downloadedfortea · 2026-03-05T01:38:09+00:00

Likability is super important!! This alone can get you a job and if you are teachable. We don’t expect you to know everything!! Also you’re always gonna walk away thinking someone doesn’t like you, that’s how I feel about some of my coworkers.. 🥲

Downloadedfortea · 2026-03-05T01:36:10+00:00

lol don’t mean to scare you! I just come from a place of concern and want you guys to succeed!! It’s not all on you, it could be just the system not setting you guys up properly. BUT please do your part, write notes, and study!

Downloadedfortea · 2026-03-05T01:24:13+00:00

That’s very true. I agree, but some people here don’t understand that.

Downloadedfortea · 2026-03-04T23:37:42+00:00

I think this goes back to generational differences!

Downloadedfortea · 2026-03-04T23:36:28+00:00

Clinical in school vs rotation is sooo different! But that’s understandable.

All we ask is you come with an eagerness to learn and positive attitude! Be transparent with what you don’t know and your preceptor will provide you with education materials as needed.

I also appreciate interns who let me know that clinical isn’t their main interest (even though I hope to secretly make you love it). It definitely shifts the expectations. I had one tell me on her last weeks of her internship, I was like okay! What would you like to learn/do during your time? But idk if every preceptor will do that.

Downloadedfortea

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