What we are required to do?
- B to B+ GPA
- “Relevant” work and volunteering experience in clinical, foodservice, community nutrition
- Leadership, self-direction, teamwork, motivation, ability to work independently, communication skills, effective critical thinking, word processing and computer skills, flexibility, good judgment, time management
What do we do?
- Sacrificed pay to volunteer 260-780 hours a year
- Searched and pursued volunteer positions independently
- Worked part to full-time while in school
- Worked as a dietary aid (washed dishes in hair net and scrubs)
- Was unable to work for years
- Spent hundreds of dollars on sending internship packages
- Lived for 4 years without pay
- Attained a higher than a 3.0 GPA
- Networked with dietitians
- Sucked up to dietitians and professors
- Endured disrespectful treatment while volunteering
- Spent an extra course worth of time preparing internship packages (~72 hours)
- Lost my friends
- Isolated myself from those who do not understand what we’re going through
- Led research projects
- Started a club
- Wrote weekly articles on nutrition and health issues for a student newspaper
- Took extra courses outside of school (leadership, professional development, public speaking)
- Lost hours and hours of sleep
- Sought career counseling
- Inserted 5 spaces between my name and signature on cover letter
- Spent $500 on an interview outfit
- Sought psychological counseling
- Applied for OSAP, various scholarships, and loans during undergrad
- Compromised my mental, physical and emotional health
- Published an article in a peer-reviewed journal
- Paid $60 to park for interviews
- Asked for numerous references
- Became members of numerous professional associations, including DC (which cost $100 each year!!)
- Cared for a family member while being in school
- Attended Internship Forums since 1st year
- Attended stress management classes
- Missed family events to volunteer or study to get an A+
- Applied and won academic awards
- Pursued an additional degree, minors, certificates, additional majors
- Balanced school, volunteer and work, social, self(?)
- Worked abroad
- Compromised my physical and emotional
- Compromised my diet to be able to afford to volunteer with a dietitian and not being able work
- Waited…
What have you done to get the internship?
29 comments:
That is quite the impressive resume that you have posted here. You have clearly put a lot of effort into this list. I am also glad to hear that you have sought counselling.
Internship is not the only route to becoming an RD. Many dietitians who have done their Master’s did so not out of desperation but out of choice. No one ever promised that each nutrition student should or would get an internship. In fact, there is little incentive for hospitals to increase positions since it costs them money and they don’t perceive an RD shortage. Potentially if students paid tuition during internship then hospitals may be willing to increase spaces. Yes - there are many empty LTC positions but there are a lot of other reasons for this.
Comments about the cost of university, applications and clothes do seem strange to me since all other professionals have to cover the cost of training and dress themselves. These sorts of complaints weaken your arguments and may be the exact reason that you did not get an internship. Sucking up to people rarely works either since most people don’t like that sort of artifice. Have you asked the programs why you weren’t selected? Most will tell you.
Once again, the empathy demonstrated for colleagues is overwhelming. Why do the victims of this system get further victimized by their colleagues? How does this help?
Is counselling for the students what is really needed? Well, yes, when they have to endure such condemnation from those who I suspect are their senior colleagues. Why are people lashing out at students? I am truly baffled and saddened by this response.
When you ask coordinators (in confidence), they will tell you that during the interviews hair style and clothing does matter. Of course students are willing to pay for their interview suit, but should their performance as nutrition professionals be based on how their hair looks, whether they where lipstick, or how expensive their suit is? Students are broke! They should be counselling by intern coordinators and DC program advisors to dress comfortably and focus on knowledge, skills, and attitudes in their interviews.
How many DC program advisors in universities actually talk to internship coordinators about how to prepare their students for interviews? Would this not seem like a common sense thing to do?
When I read a comment like this and I see the system remain unchanged for years and years and years, I begin to think that our profession could care less for students.
Somebody, please give me some evidence to the contrary. Dietitians of Canada? Where are you in this conversation?
Are you actually suggesting that interns are chosen based on the cost of their outfit and whether they wear lipstick?
No one was more shocked than me to find out this sad truth.
Quite honestly most of us are probably fit to practice as RD's without further training. There is already an exam and from what I hear - I could pass it easily.
So what are those other reasons for many empty LTC positions? Are there dietitians who prefer to be unemployed than work in long term care? I have a passion for LTC and I thought I made it clear in my two interviews. But hospitals don't care, I guess, since I didn't get the internship...
To the first poster: The lack of empathy is shocking. I wonder how you became a dietitian... Have you not gone through this? Or have you gone through it and what us to go through it as well? So that we are all wounded?
I would not have a problem to pay tuition for internship, if it was treated as my 5th year of studies for which I could get OSAP!
I respect these students who are running this blog. And I see it is not about pointing fingers at specific individuals but pointing at holes in the system and trying to make changes for the better for students, for internship coordinators and for the profession. Are aren't you seeing it??
I have read through a number of comments on this blog. I think most of us can agree that the system is not perfect.
My understanding is that there are a number od initiatives in place to amend the dietetic training experience in Ontario.
I feel that the negative comments from all sides is not productive. It is only generating anger and negative energy. Even the mission of this blog has a negative undertone. For this sort of blog to be truly effective at opening up communication lines between students, universities and internship coordinators, it must be facilitated by an unbiased source without conflicts of interest and the mission redefined to be inclusive of all points of view (rather than just the students who experienced "iSAD").Otherwise, the conversations/comments will continue to be destructive rather than constructive.
This blog is a good idea, as it allows for discussion of this sensitive topic with consideration to anonymity. Lets shift it's focus from "us against them" to teamwork. Let's focus on the positive and not the negative. Let's work together and not hurt each other. We are all in (or wish to be in) the same profession and we need to take care of each other.
Is it just students who experience iSAD?
I am not a student and I experience iSAD every year when I write reference letters for students knowing that I am complicit in a process that is inequitable.
However, I do agree with the last post. We must try to take care of each other and stop the hurt. If we truly want to live up to this ideal, it starts with treating students with respect. Period.
Why not shorten internships to 26 weeks? Then each program could double their number of interns.
And interviews should be done away with. I've heard that years ago Ottawa didn't interview - based everything on the package - no bias or issues around appearance.
To the poster at 9:57:
In order to minimize the "hurt",I would also add that students should also treat their fellow students and internship coordinators with respect, and that internship coordinators and university programs should also treat each other with respect. It all needs to go Full Circle (I.e. Like the students, RDs and coordinators should also be free to express their opinion without being critized). That is what I meant by that comment.
Let's stop fighting with each other.
I am a student who didn't get an internship this year. At first, I was very discouraged and felt extremely disappointed with this system- well, I still do actually. However, I was able to talk to a couple of professors who were able to help me recover my strength and confidence. I even contacted a couple of coordinators to get feedback from my interviews. I heard back from one but I think that was enough. The feedback was really constructive and helpful, not hurtful at all. So now I'm gearing myself up for second rounds- hopefully they'll come around- and if that doesn't work out for me, I will consider applying to Masters next year as well.
I feel for all of us and can relate to most of the blog posts, but I also want to be in a positive frame of mind if second rounds occur. Either way, I am positive this system is going to change any time soon. Because, is it a fair system? Mmmm.... not really.
I understand both sides. By hurting those who have supported students/interns/learning etc... through this blog you are damaging trust. While you may think students are being "re-victimized" in these postings. How about how they are vicitimizing those out there who are RD's/educators/profs/coordinators/professional leaders etc.. by the comments/blogs. If you want these people to support how does creating such negative comments help secure their trust within you?
You may feel this is your outlet but I encourage you to re-examine your thought process and objectives and try to move forward to the positive with the opportunities for improvement.
To create meaningful and open discussion requires people to start trusting each other. Trust is the foundation behind all relationships and only with trust will you start to grow and prosper and be productive.
8:59 AM and My POV.
Well said. I agree with you.
Internships are an archaic form of slave labour and should be done away with. Instead we should be acknowledged for our 4 years of training and volunteer work and have an "on the job, paid training" for a few months that ANY RD could provide - including public health.
Let's come up with reasonable, practical suggestions for alternatives to internship and present them to DC. I'd love to see the discussion on this blog move to more positive suggestions and ideas to move us from a BSc to an RD. The system is broken - let's brainstorm ways to fix it.
Okay so now we are going someplace.
What characteristics would students like to see in a different model? Realistic or not...
Write in positive words/phrases so that we do not offend anyone entity/being.
If you have a hard time with this which is understandable... emotions can play alot. write it out on a piece of paper then bring them together and post.
Looking forward to having this discussion.
I need to comment on the idea that internship is "slave labour" which has been stated a few times on this blog. This is a troublesome perspective. For me it was an invaluable learning experience and the opportunity to begin building networks. As a preceptor now, I am somewhat insulted that you could view my time and expertise as so irrelevant. Many times I stayed late to finish up work that I couldn't complete during my day because I had an intern with me.
Perhaps if internship were paid for it would be more highly valued and of course much of the duplication could be removed and/or streamlined.
I love the idea of brainstorming ideas for an enhanced model of practical training. Any idea counts, right?
1. Have potential preceptors hold open dialogue seminars for undergraduate students at a neutral location (a hotel, perhaps, not the university and not the place that the preceptors work - public/community health, hospital, industry, and so on). At these seminars, preceptors and students can talk with each other in small groups. The preceptors can share what their work is like and the students can share what their work is like. This will help to build a shared awareness of the dietitian life and the student life. We need to learn from each other, right. Maybe these open discussions will lead to a greater respect and trust between preceptors and students. Maybe this will help prepare both groups for the practical training that is in store. Maybe they could even work on cases together, say as part of a class assignment. Sort of an informal integration if the practical training is still to happen after the undergrad training.
Wonderful to hear that this entire blog may take a turn for the better!
Is there any way we can advocate for amending the objectives of "iSAD" to also be more positive and inclusive of all individuals who may have an interest in this topic?
I don't know who runs iSAD, but perhaps we should start a brand new blog - a happy new beginning. Having different topic threads may also be beneficial, rather than responding to people's individual comments (which go off-topic anyway). I'm looking forward to participating in this.
If ISAD is open to modification of objectives would be in support to develop. Let's create new beginnings for everyone involved.
Thank you,
Support 4 Everyone
Instead of:
We are iSAD (internship Seasonal Affective Disorder); a group of students and their allies who are deeply concerned with the lasting impact of the current dietetic education and training model in Ontario and who actively support a change to the current model.
Perhaps consider something like this:
DEST: Dietitians, Educators and Students for Tomorrow (or something like that, I'm not very creative!)
A group of dietetic students, educators, and dietitians who aim to become leaders in dietetic practice, education, and research. Through this blog we aim to constructively and creatively discuss current topics and challenges related to the study and practice of dietetics.
Just putting something out there...
That is a good idea. We should mention something about Ontario since our situation differs from other provinces.
I agree about keeping positive comments on this blog, and about respecting each others opinions. If you disagree with someone, you should respectfully disagree. Unitl now, I have refused to participate in this blog because it is so negative.
@ 1:18 PM - that would be a good idea. I'm surprised something like that doesn't already exist. I know the students I work with would benefit from that.
@ 8:59 AM- that is well said. Trust is an important part of moving forward.
@ My POV - That approach seems more encouraging and collaborative to me. I would participate in a blog of that sort.
I like DEST!
I like DEST too!
ISAD, would you kindly consider the amendment request? Your response would be greatly appreciated.
I'm sure there are other people out there who could contribute some ideas and suggestions to further enhance the blog.
Sincerely,
To April 5, at 10:26: I like your idea of shortening the internship. If we are not paid for it, or provided some sort of compensation, I think a shorter time period is a great idea. That would open up at least double the spots. I realize it is probably more work on the internship coordinators side, but wouldn't it be worth it?
If you think blowing $500 on an outfit makes you entitled to an internship, then clearly you need to work on your personable attributes and maturity. Is your internship outfit ruined? Geez, use it again in the future.
Hello,
I don't think this post is suggesting that paying $500 for an interview suit is entitling a student to receive an internship. I think it is more like there are so many things that students do to try to stand out from the others. What is the upper limit for these students? How much do they have to try to do? Can internship programs provide more transparency and objectivity about what is required? How can the process be more equitable? Hopefully, the Task force is creating something that is fair and transparent. Where is their report, BTW?
Post a Comment