Mercy Day #1

Alright, little behind with my postings. Last Friday was of course my last day in Ames for orientation and it went great. We listened to speakers from both the Dairy Council and Beef Industry. They gave us samples of their products and I decided I'm not a fan of Lactaid or Dairy Ease. The lactose is already broken down so for people who lack the enzyme to metabolize lactose, it's wonderful. One thing I thought a little odd was that the speaker from the beef industry had us sampling frozen beef dinners. I understand that some people just lack the time, desire, or skill to cook, but I can't see myself ever recommending TV dinners to clients, especially pot roast. 

That afternoon an RD from HyVee came to discuss just what it is that dietitians do at HyVee. She also explained the NuVal system, which, if you don't know what it is, you should check it out. Typically, every item in HyVee has a NuVal score right next to the price of the item. The score ranges from 0-100 with 100 being the best rating. It just makes it easier to compare items that there are a lot of...say cereal, crackers, spaghetti sauces, etc..

Today I officially started at Mercy Hospital here in Sioux City. The majority of the day I was in orientation with other new employees. At the end of the day I found the Dietitian's office and met all four of the RD's I'll be working with. One of the ladies, Kim, gave me a tour of the hospital. I have to say, it was entirely overwhelming. That hospital is a lot bigger than I thought it was. Not only that, but there are four different buildings connected with skyway's, but once you walk to the next building, you suddenly find yourself 3 or 4 floors lower or higher than the previous building. The floors are just all over the place, it's hard to keep track of where you are. 

My preceptor, Nancy, seems very nice and helpful. I sat with her for about an hour to discuss the layout of a typical day. Tomorrow I'll be on the computer learning the two different programs used by the dietitians. As for now, I'm exhausted. Time for bed! G'night.

It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences.

- Audre Lorde