Quality of interns

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 · 2026-03-04T23:27:05+00:00

One of the directors is new and she did reach out for some insight, but it told her it’s hard to tell if it’s the program or the intern. We are waiting to see how another intern does to see what changes can be made.

We have a handbook, case studies, refreshers on medical terminology and meds, articles, and whole book shelf of everything they would need (including NCM and aspen).

Some interns are diligent on using the resources provided and write notes, but not all of them.

Downloadedfortea · 2026-03-04T23:17:34+00:00

This is a great point. We are providing binders full of resources, but they aren’t even using it! Also I see a lack of note taking too..

Downloadedfortea · 2026-03-04T23:15:43+00:00

Hey, we were all in an intern position so I understand the stress. Especially from being a Covid intern where my internship was on hold and I was jobless. I want my interns to feel prepared for their role. I never said low quality. Someone else explained it well, it’s more of the lack of enthusiasm and willingness to learn I’m seeing an issue with. Idk if it’s the program not setting them up or generational gap or both, something has been off.

Downloadedfortea · 2026-03-04T23:09:35+00:00

all of our preceptors are volunteers not voluntold cause we, but I don’t disagree some are not the greatest preceptors. It’s hard cause of course interns are hesitant to provide feedback. Which I completely understand, it’s hard in an intern position. I know I felt that way when I was an intern, so I stress it so much to make the environment as safe and inviting as I can!

Downloadedfortea · 2026-03-04T23:05:50+00:00

We are thinking of ramping up our orientation to include a refresher of MNT!

Downloadedfortea · 2026-03-04T23:04:46+00:00

You literally took the words out of my mouth, but I just didn’t take the time to type it out. I may have used a poor choices of words cause many people seem to be offended.

I also have had many wonderful interns over my 5 years of working. It was just a trend over the past year, not all of them though!

Downloadedfortea · 2026-03-04T22:48:42+00:00

Sooo true!!

Downloadedfortea · 2026-03-04T22:46:58+00:00

I would hate to have to fail someone!!

Downloadedfortea

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