By: Bisma Shafiq, Dietetic Intern
During my Master of Science in Food and Nutrition, I had a placement at Orange Lily Group, which was one of the most impactful placements. During my time at the long-term care (LTC) homes I realized how different the environment in LTC truly is compared to hospitals.
LTC homes operate at a unique pace, face distinct challenges and provide meaningful learning opportunities. In LTC homes, I learned to shift my nutritional focus toward long-term goals. I had the opportunity to connect with the residents throughout their stay, supporting their quality of life, dignity, and enjoyment of food. I was able to refine my clinical nutrition skills to help improve residents’ functionality and prevent declines in their health status. Many LTC residents live with multiple comorbidities, which can lead to a decline in their functional abilities. I learned to balance my clinical nutrition knowledge with the medical status of the residents to provide optimal care. Working in two LTC homes simultaneously gave me the experience to learn how to use the Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) and the Minimum Data Set (MDS) systems. Being able to utilize either of these systems makes it easier for me to work as a registered dietitian in LTC facilities. I had the opportunity to address more complex assessments, allowing me to enhance my clinical nutrition skills when tackling intricate nutritional issues. The interdisciplinary rounds and care conferences provided a great platform to engage in discussion regarding the residents’ care. During these conferences, I was able to communicate with the residents alongside other professionals, which enhanced our collaborative efforts. This collaboration ensured our team could efficiently address any concerns that arose, minimizing communication gaps. Additionally, throughout my placements, I worked on nutrition-related projects that assisted dietitians in making informed decisions when assessing the effectiveness of oral nutritional supplements for residents at the end of life. This project allowed me to support other dietitians in their careers.
The preceptors played a significant impact on shaping my professional development and enhancing my dietetic skills throughout this placement. I had the privilege to work with highly experienced and supportive preceptors during this placement. I loved working alongside multiple preceptors who generously shared their expertise and insights on the dietetic profession. From the very beginning, they provided me with clear guidance and valuable learning resources to prepare me for the placement. I felt well supported when conducting my nutrition assessments, as they allowed me the space to develop my interviewing skills with the residents. They exposed me to a variety of nutritional concerns and assessments, which broadened my clinical experience. For more complex assessments, they guided my thought process, helping strengthen my critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. The entire inter-professional team in LTC, also warmly welcomed my time in LTC.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at both LTC homes. I gained valuable nutritional skills that are essential for my career as a registered dietitian.