1. MSU MS/DI Preceptor TRAINING
McNeese State University
Dietetics Internship Program

2. Objectives Preceptors will: Learn about the MSU DI program
Learn about E*value
Understand how the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics Competencies are met through planned supervised activities.
Learn how to effectively coach and mentor interns by facilitating independent, self- directed learning.
Differentiate effective versus ineffective preceptoring techniques
Identify characteristics of an effective preceptor
Demonstrate how to be an effective preceptor and mentor
McNeese State University
Dietetic Internship

3. MSU MS-DI Masters program provides Accredited for 10 interns per year
Masters of Science in Health and Human Performance
Accredited for 10 interns per year
Concentration area
Nutrition and Wellness
McNeese State University
Dietetic Internship

4. General Internship Schedule
Interns begin classes for their masters in August and rotations are from January-December of the following year.
Medical Nutrition Therapy/Clinical: Total Hours 564
Community Nutrition: Total Hours 352
Food Service Management (FSM): Total Hours 320
Staff Relief: Total Hours 64
McNeese State University
Dietetic Internship

5. Medical Nutrition Therapy/Clinical Rotations
Work through the Nutrition Care Process on Assigned Patients
Various Settings and Populations
Long term care
acute care
diabetes
cardiac
renal
nutrition support
Clinical case study on selected patient utilizing NCP and evidence based recommendations
McNeese State University
Dietetic Internship

6. Community nutrition rotations
Various community resources and cultural diversity
Food and nutrition policy
Nutrition related to WIC population
Project utilizing the Nutrition Care Process
Interns may be involved in all the steps of a project or a portion of an ongoing project
Various Settings, including
WIC
School
Wellness
Extension
United Way
McNeese State University
Dietetic Internship

7. Food Service Management (FSM) Rotation
Main topic areas
Management & leadership principles
Human resources
Safety, security, & sanitation
Food procurement, production, & service
Quality management
Financial management
Marketing & public relations
McNeese State University
Dietetic Internship

8. Accreditation Competencies
Each specific rotation has a list of competencies that each intern should complete.
Competencies are broken down into
Community Nutrition
Food Service Management (FSM)
Medical Nutrition Therapy/Clinical
McNeese State University
Dietetic Internship

9. E*value Evaluations Time Tracking
Before and after the student has their rotation with you they complete an evaluation which you will review. After their rotation you will be asked to complete an evaluation of the intern’s progress. An automated will come to you whenever an intern has completed tasks that require your attention
Time Tracking
Interns will log hours on E*value and you go to E*value and approve their hours.
McNeese State University
Dietetic Internship

10. E*value
Portfolio
In the “student portfolio” there are sections for community, management, and clinical. You select the rotation category that you supervise to view the intern’s study guides and assignments. You must verify their study guides and assignments on this page.
Study Guides
The interns have study guides that they have completed for each rotation. These are found in the portfolio under the specific rotation under “study guide”. You need to verify their study guide during or right after their rotation with you.
Assignments
If an intern completes a lesson plan, educational material evaluation, or any other assignment you have assigned they will upload them to their portfolio for you to verify.
McNeese State University
Dietetic Internship

11. Facilitating Independent Learning
Interns are expected to take ownership for their learning
They should be prepared for the rotations
They should provide preceptors with potential suggested activities, experiences, and evaluations to complete
All information is available to you as preceptor
This is the intern’s internship!
McNeese State University
Dietetic Internship

12. Preceptor 101 Becoming a successful Preceptor
(Adapted from: “A Handbook for Preceptors”)
McNeese State University
Dietetic Internship

13. Strong Interns Are….
Competent – Mastery of field – Knowledge, skills, and application.
Confident – Belief in the ability to make good decisions, to be responsible, and to be in control.
Self-Directed – Assurance and ability to take charge of one’s personal, professional, and career development.
Professional – Understand and assume responsibilities and ethics of dietetics profession.
McNeese State University
Dietetic Internship

14. Each Intern Is Unique Varied didactic knowledge
Enthusiastic or reserved
Learning style
Communication skills
Life experiences
Level of maturity
Time management
Distinctive cultural/ethnic characteristics
McNeese State University
Dietetic Internship

15. Learning Shift for Interns
College student-centered to Professional Life-Long Learner
Confer with interns about their prior experience
Have interns observe and come up with their own strategies
Discuss feasibility of their ideas/plans
Guide interns as they practice; ask for their opinion
Learning Shift for Interns
McNeese State University
Dietetic Internship

16. Successful Preceptoring
Moves the intern from some level of dependence to a high level of independence.
Successful Preceptoring
McNeese State University
Dietetic Internship

17. Characteristics of an Effective Preceptor
Has sufficient professional knowledge
Is a skillful dietitian/practitioner
Patient; treats students sincerely, objectively, and with respect
Encourages students to think and learn independently (fosters independence)
Dedicated, motivated, confident, passionate
Good communication/provides constructive feedback
Supportive, encouraging, understanding, compassionate, approachable
Organized
Provide appropriate feedback for students’ improvement
Make dietetic practice a fulfilling experience
Characteristics of an Effective Preceptor
McNeese State University
Dietetic Internship

18. Ineffective Preceptors
Lack skill in providing feedback; judgmental
Demonstrate a negative attitude toward students and their career
McNeese State University
Dietetic Internship

19. Roles/functions of an Effective Preceptor
Build a relationship with the intern
Provide a complete orientation
Supervise the intern throughout the rotation
Recognize uniqueness of each intern
Identify any barriers the intern may have to learning
Provide effective teaching strategies
McNeese State University
Dietetic Internship

20. Roles/functions of an Effective Preceptor
Provide opportunities to observe the “RD in action”
Provide opportunities for practice
Promote problem-solving skills
Allow creativity
Challenge interns
Support professional development
Provide feedback
McNeese State University
Dietetic Internship

21. Building a relationship with the Intern
Before rotation starts
Give intern directions to the facility and offices and instructions for parking
Explain what to wear provide specifics about meals
List what supplies/resources to bring
Introductions
Introduce the intern to significant people and use his/her first name
Provide a tour of the facility and explain where the intern will have workspace
Policies & Procedures (P&P)
Review P&P with intern; set clear rules & expectations
Provide time for the intern to ask questions/share information; help him/her to feel comfortable.
McNeese State University
Dietetic Internship

22. Clear Expectations
Provide clear expectations with examples (if possible)
Ground rules, dress code, time at the facility, projects
Have intern verbalize expectations back
Solicit ideas from interns
COMMUNICATE throughout project to clarify and refine
Having a clear picture with help reduce unnecessary frustration on both sides!
McNeese State University
Dietetic Internship

23. Division of Responsibility
Intern – Taking ownership for their own learning, being prepared, Seeking out resources, Completing necessary projects and activities.
Preceptor – Providing feedback on skills observed in the facility, providing experiences/opportunities, Mentoring/Coaching, Sharing expertise.
Faculty – Providing feedback to interns related to written projects and activities, ensuring curriculum meet accreditation requirements, Mentoring/Coaching, Resource for preceptors.
While preceptors and faculty are committed to the success of the intern, the ultimate responsibility of the internship is the INTER’S.
McNeese State University
Dietetic Internship

24. Remember When You were an intern!
McNeese State University
Dietetic Internship

25. Create a positive environment
Welcome intern as a valued part of the team!
Positive ATTITUDE & Enthusiasm
Towards profession
Towards interns
Foster Open Communication
Be patient
McNeese State University
Dietetic Internship

26. Progression Next steps – how to improve
Demonstration - Intern observes preceptor, Discuss rational for processes with intern
Before
Discuss the goal, what to look for, any questions
During
Observe, make notes of key points
After
Review and analyze
Next steps – how to improve
Progression
McNeese State University
Dietetic Internship

27. Progression Practice with supervision Independent Practice
Intern receives feedback on performance
Intern makes appropriate corrections with encouragement from preceptor
Independent Practice
Provide opportunities for independent work within timeframes
Set time for questions
Continue to take intern to the next level
Review intern’s progress with continuous feedback.
Progression
McNeese State University
Dietetic Internship

28. Providing Feedback Be timely Clarify expectations
Use specific examples
McNeese State University
Dietetic Internship

29. Benefits to Preceptors
“Pay it forward” – Give back to the profession
Interns can provide assistance with:
Performing certain tasks or projects
Supervision of employees
Clarifying what you do and how you do it.
Bring new knowledge to your facility
Organize journal clubs
Improve employee morale
Free CPEs
Benefits to Preceptors
McNeese State University
Dietetic Internship

30. Handling Challenging situations
Address intern behavior similar to an employee
Clarify expectations
Communicate concerns early
Have intern realistic goal for improving
Encourage intern on positive improvements
Use evaluations to document concerns in a formal manner
Communicate concerns to MSU faculty
Handling Challenging situations
McNeese State University
Dietetic Internship

31. Stay knowledgeable and competent in dietetics
Stay current with professional development portfolios
Be a part of professional groups
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and its practice groups, local dietetic groups, and other professional groups.
Learn from the interns
McNeese State University
Dietetic Internship

32. Additional Resources CDR Preceptor Training Free online training
7 modules
8 CPE’s Available
URL
McNeese State University
Dietetic Internship

33. Thank you for your willingness to participate in the training of the dietetic interns enrolled in the McNeese State University Dietetics Program as a preceptor. You are a valuable component to the success of the program. You will help provide the approved pre-professional, supervised practice experience needed by the interns to become Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics registration eligible. You have an enormous impact of the education of the interns and you are able to introduce the interns to the exciting world of dietetics.
THANK YOU!!!
McNeese State University
Dietetic Internship

34. References
Iowa State University. Dietetic Internship Program. Preceptors. during#competencies
Iowa State University. Preceptor Training Power Point.
Preceptors’ Guide For Teaching Dietetic Interns. University of North Carolina
University of Houston. Dietetic Internship Program at the University of Houston. Online Preceptor Handbook
University of Houston. Preceptor Training PowerPoint. University of Houston Dietetic Internship Program. file:///C:/Users/drjas/Desktop/School%20-%20Mcneese/MI-DI%20McNeese%20Rotations/Week%2038%20Oct% %20Premise%20Health/Preceptoring/Preceptor%20Training%20Dietetic%20Internship-2017.pdf
University of North Carolina. Dietetic Internship. “What is a Preceptor?” 9/ internship/for-applicants/what-is-preceptor.aspx
Kendall, Anne. & Brown, Susan. Indiana University of Pennsylvania. MS-DI Preceptor Training Program PowerPoint. 7/2010.
McNeese State University
Dietetic Internship