Into the community I go!

Needless to say I only had 1 post last week because it was spring break, and while incredibly relaxing, I didn't do anything too wild. Unless you want to consider going to the doctor, dentist, eye doctor, cleaning out my car, taking the dog for a walk, and sleeping in, a wild and crazy week.

But, it was good to rest up and have a fresh start in the community today. Today through next Wednesday I will be working in the Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes clinic observing and counseling outpatients who have type I, type II, and cystic fibrosis related diabetes. This morning I observed a type I diabetes education class. The class takes place in 4 sections, in which the RD is active in the first and last class. The first class covered what diabetes actually is, what foods affect blood sugars, and how to read food labels. The last class covers exercise and overall healthy lifestyle. 

After the morning class, which lasted from 9:30am-noon, we ate a quick lunch and then spent the afternoon with outpatient clients. There were 4 clients who each had one hour sessions, which covered reviewing the diet history and glucose levels, setting goals, and other information and education.

I think the community work is going to challenge me the most. Since I'm really into the science, number crunching, and biochemistry of nutrition, it's the total opposite of what I'm used to in counseling. I'm really looking forward to these next 6 weeks to work on my nutrition counseling skills. My preceptor for the first 1.5 weeks is really outgoing and open towards helping me learn, which I am going to take full advantage of. 

But I told my preceptor this today - about how working in outpatient community work has a whole different feel to it. Patients (for the most part) want to be there and are interested in how to lower their blood glucose levels and possibly lose some weight. They're interested, engaged in the conversation, and are proactive about what they want to do. Versus the inpatient side of things where diet education is lower on the list of priorities when it comes to intensive care unit survival. 

Anywho, I'm sure I'll have more to report later. But this girl doesn't have to be at work until noon tomorrow because I am going to be going to the type I diabetes night class. Yay! Still getting up early though so I can stay on my schedule. We'll see how that goes...

59 days...