Week 25: Internship Graduation!

I did it! I successfully completed my dietetic internship! Those 1250 hours just flew right by! It was bitter-sweet to part with preceptors i’ve grown found of, but it’s time for this little birdie to leave the nest.

The conclusion of my internship has been more of a process than an actual event. About four weeks prior, I started receiving emails from my Iowa State instructor to wrap up projects, take my final RD practice exam, and submit my competency checklist. The ACEND Competency Checklist is a list of core skills and abilities I need to document I can do by the end of rotations.

I actually had all my assignments in by June 13th. This allowed me to focus on my final weeks of clinical staff relief. “Staff relief” means I work as “the” dietitian with minimal supervision. It’s essentially a dress rehearsal for my first entry-level job.

On my last day, my two lovely preceptors took me out to lunch, then I said g’bye to the hospital! To celebrate, Jesse treated me to mussels and champagne at Bistro Vendome and then to the Denver Center for Performing Arts to see Wicked! We were in a box!

So now that i’ve finished my internship – what’s next?

1. A little bit of waiting. On the last day of rotations, Iowa State sent my application to the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). The CDR will process the application then notify the testing company (Pearson VUE) when I am eligible to sit for the exam. The testing company will email me with an ID/password to login and create an account. Hopefully, I hear from Pearson this week.

2. Schedule the exam. Once I create an account on Pearson, I can pay the test fee ($200) and schedule a time. Date options depend on the seat availability at the testing center and personal preference. I might be able to schedule it within a few days or delay it for up to 6 months. My plan: get this thing over with!!

3. Study. Technically, I’ve been studying for the past few weeks, but having a date in mind will fuel the fire. I plan to use the Jean Inman Review Guide and practice RD Exams on Iowa State’s Blackboard. My goal is a minimum of 40 study-hours prior to taking the exam.

4. Pass the exam. I’ve decided to study with the mindset that i’ll pass the first time. Iowa State provided fantastic opportunities for exam-specific learning, I have great study material, and I am a fairly decent test-take. There is no reason I shouldn’t pass. If I don’t, I’ll need to wait 45 days before I can re-apply to test. Ain’t nobody got time for that!

5. Job hunt. I’ve started putting out some feelers for my first job, but a big “RD” on my resume will surely help the process. I love clinical. I love small business management. I also want to specialize in geriatric needs. Some combination of these would be perfect!

Cheers,

S