Texas Diabetes Institute Out Patient/Community Nutrition |
I feel fortunate to spend my professional development rotation at Texas Diabetes Institute (TDI). During my clinical rotations I realized that I did not have enough opportunity to provide MNT to diabetic patients. To gain competence in diabetes education and counseling I decided to spend sometime at TDI. From the very first day I knew that I made the right decision. At TDI, I had the opportunity to conduct part of the Diabetes Self Management Education classes and assist the dietitians with counseling and education sessions at the clinic. Meeting with patients one on one and in group sessions made me value the importance of nutrition education and guidance needed for diabetes management. I felt inner satisfaction helping those who presented themselves at the contemplation or preparation stage of behavior change. During the counseling sessions I noticed that patients spent a substantial amount of time recalling their typical intake. I realized that a 24 hour recall can make the session efficient if patients filled that out prior to seeing the RD. I shared the thought with my preceptor and designed a 24 hr recall document and presented it to the staff during the monthly meeting. The director of Diabetes Education decided to use the document as it intended to save time during the counseling session and keep the patient busy while they waited to be seen by the RD. As always, my inquisitive nature encouraged me to learn multiple aspects of DSME. I wanted to gain firsthand knowledge to identify all that is involved in self glucose check and insulin administration using different pens and syringes. So I spent some time with the nursing educator to learn glucose meter and insulin administration. I also visited the fitness center and observed the RNs performing assessments and assisting patients. During the rotation I had the opportunity to perform community service and accompany the dietitians to a community health fair at a remote town southeast of San Antonio. Though my time at TDI was very limited, the experience I gained will go a long way. It was a privilege to spend my thirty two hours with a team of dedicated staff who take their responsibility seriously and who are passionate to help others make positive changes to manage diabetes and other comorbidities. This is a trait that I highly value and I see myself working at such an organization in future.Following are some highlights of my experience at TDI:
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