Work Experience

I enjoyed the opportunity to see how RDNs and hospital kitchens work together to improve the health outcomes of patients.  I learned how to read diet orders, the importance of preparing food to meet IDDSI standards, and the role supplementation plays in a healthcare environment.

Select Specialty Hospital, Evansville, Indiana

June 2023 - October 2023

• Modified food to meet IDDSI requirements.
• Prepared all lunch and dinner side items such as salads, desserts, and additional add-ons.
• Visited patient rooms to read menu selections and record food orders.
• Checked patient trays for accuracy prior to delivery.
• Stocked tube feedings for each hospital floor and department.

I enjoyed working with the Purdue University Extension Office. Community nutrition is an important way RDNs can make an impact.  It was great meeting people from the Evansville area and answering their nutrition-related questions to improve their health.

Purdue Extension Office - Vanderburgh County

• Shadowed at Fresh Start, where twelve, inpatient substance abuse mothers were taught the fundamentals of nutrition, the importance of physical activity, how to set SMART goals, and how to cook small meals.
• Shadowed at Market on Main.  A salad cooking demo was performed for participants.  Answered food and nutrition-related questions and provided visitors with community resource information.
• Shadowed at Carver Community Center's Summer Program, where grade school students learned how to read food labels to make healthier food choices. They learned the importance of eating breakfast and played games to be physically active.  Made homemade ice cream with fresh fruit.
• Shadowed at Stepping Stone, an outpatient substance abuse clinic, where patients were taught how to stretch their food budget by shopping for seasonal produce and frozen goods.  They learned how to create a grocery list and look for sales.  They learned how to track macronutrients, and they participated in making smoothies.