University of Kentucky Hospital Dietetic Internship Program 2006

The University of Kentucky Hospital, in conjunction with the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, offers a generalist dietetic internship program with a clinical nutrition emphasis. The program is accredited by the American Dietetic Association, Commission on Accreditation/ Approval for Dietetics Education, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Commission on Recognition of Post-Secondary Accreditation. The program has been continuously accredited since it began in 1969. Our graduates have compiled a first-time passing rate on the registration examination of 99%. Upon successful completion of the program interns are able to function as generalist entry-level dietetic practitioners, eligible for active membership in the American Dietetic Association, and eligible to take the registration examination.

Mission:

The Mission of the University of Kentucky Healthcare Enterprise is: “To help people of the Commonwealth and beyond gain and retain good health through creative leadership and quality initiatives in patient care, education, and research.” The UKH Internship follows that mission with their emphasis in quality in patient care, continued education, and emphasis on using research to determine evidence based practice for patient care.

Internship Goals

This program will prepare dietetic practitioners who will successfully write the registration examination to become a Registered Dietitian

Offer a variety of learning experiences to prepare competent entry-level practitioners with an emphasis in clinical nutrition who meet performance standards in areas of clinical nutrition, management, and community nutrition.

To maintain a quality internship program through quality staff and scheduled review, evaluation, and revision of the program using staff, intern (past and present), and employer recommendations.

To offer interns opportunities for involvement in the continued education and professional development.

Measurable Outcomes:

Each of the above goals is continually assessed and the outcomes are measured to determine if the internship is meeting its goals. The measurable outcomes for the above goals include:

Overall pass rate of the graduating interns, retention rates of the interns that begin the program, and whether or not the interns from this internship exceed test scores above the national average.
Evaluations received from the interns must be >80% positive in any given rotation or experience, interns must receive a “meets competency consistently” following their final rotations and a “meets entry level” evaluation prior to completing staff relief rotation
To verify entry-level competency, employers should rate the newly-graduated interns with a “satisfactory as entry level”. To verify competency, preceptors are continually evaluated on a routine basis and there evaluations from the interns are not to contain >1 negative evaluation.
Interns are required to attend local and state professional meetings including the yearly Kentucky Dietetic Association meeting.

The Program

The program begins in early August with the first week devoted to a general orientation. Supervised practice experiences are planned to provide a progression from orientation and direct supervision to working independently with little supervision based on a program of timely and routine feedback of performance. Interns not able to satisfactorily complete the various components of the internship will be required to extend time needed to meet designated competencies or will be counseled to withdraw from the program. Upon satisfactory completion of the program, interns will receive a Certificate of Completion. All applicants meeting the academic requirements and technical standards shall be considered equally for admission to any academic program, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, age, or disability. The program is fast paced and rigorous. Internship activities requires strong time management and organizational skills, excellent study skills, and a high level of commitment to the education process.

Accreditation Status

The University of Kentucky UK Hospital Dietetic Internship Program is currently granted continuing accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education of the American Dietetic Association, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000,Chicago, IL 60606-6995, 312/899-0040 ext 5400. CADE is recognized by the Council for Higher Education (CHEA) and the United States Department of Education (USDE).

Supervised Practice Ex periences

Professional learning experiences are provided in the areas of clinical nutrition, food service management, and community nutrition. These experiences are designed to prepare competent entry-level dietetic practitioners and to introduce clinical nutrition specialty areas.

Special assignment week. This week is designed so that the intern can design their own week for specialized interest. The intern is responsible for contacting a preceptor in their chosen area and arranging the experience.

There is a two week diabetes rotation. During the two weeks the intern learns about diabetes, goes to clinic to assist in the counseling of diabetic patients, learns about the most current medications and medication delivery systems available.

Clinical Nutrition

Supervised practice experiences are provided at the University of Kentucky Hospital and the Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Experiences include nutrition assessment and nutrition care plans, interviewing and counseling patients, calculating and writing diets, recording in the medical records, participating in medical rounds, conducting library research and presenting case studies, participating in quality assurance monitoring, and functioning as a member of the health care team.

Food Service Management

Supervised practice experiences in the use of management skills and techniques required in the operation of an institutional food service are provided at the University of Kentucky Hospital and the Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Interns spend approximately 6 weeks gaining experiences in purchasing and inventory management, food production and service, personnel management, marketing and merchandising, financial management, retail service, and employee training. At the University of Kentucky Hospital interns plan, coordinate, and implement a special event.

Community Nutrition

Interns spend four weeks in community-related supervised practice experiences. The setting is at a health care facility in a smaller Kentucky city and the community agencies in the surrounding area coordinated through the Area Health Education Center (AHEC). Learning activities vary by community, but include participation in public health programs, feeding programs, and home health.

Program Schedules

The schedule is subject based on availability of rotations and program length.

Orientation 1 week

Clinical Nutrition 26 weeks

Staff Experience 3 weeks

Food Service Management 6 weeks

Community Nutrition 4 weeks

Special Project 1 week

Vacation 1 week

Research

Interns complete a “mini” research project at one of the facilities or with a faculty member. Projects can be clinical or management oriented. Interns formulate a hypothesis, conduct a literature review, and collect data, which culminates in the presentation of a poster session.

Facilities

The University of Kentucky is a comprehensive land-grant institution founded in 1865, which includes the Lexington campus and the Chandler Medical Center. More than 34,182 students are enrolled at the Lexington campus.

University of Kentucky Medical Center

The Medical Center was founded in 1960 and is located on the Lexington campus. It is a modern complex with a student enrollment of more than 3,000 in five colleges -- Allied Health, Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing, and Pharmacy. An extensive library and microcomputer center support the knowledge and technology needs of students, faculty, and staff.

University of Kentucky Hospital

The Hospital provides a base for patient care, education, and research for the Medical Center. The Hospital has been recognized as one of the top academic medical centers in the United States in a recent survey. It holds a position of leadership as a statewide, regional, and national tertiary referral hospital and is designated as a Level I Trauma Center. The 471-bed inpatient facility offers various transplant programs; high risk obstetrical services; trauma services; and comprehensive surgical, geriatric, cardiac, renal, pulmonary, and cancer programs. The Children's Hospital is located within the building and provides comprehensive pediatric services including a neonatal intensive care unit. The Food Service Department has a centralized, semi-conventional, food service system. A large cash sales unit encompasses a cafeteria, coffee shop, and deli.

Veterans Affairs Medical Center

The Lexington Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center is a modern health care facility consisting of two divisions that are located five miles apart. The VA Medical Center has approximately 160 beds, 60 at the Leestown Division and 100 atthe Cooper Drive Division. In addition, it has an active expanding outpatient program. The Lexington VA serves veterans in central and eastern Kentucky and adjoining parts of Ohio, West Virginia, and Tennessee. The Leestown Division provides extended care and outpatient care. The Cooper Drive Division is physically connected to the University of Kentucky Hospital, and provides inpatient care in medicine, surgery, neurology, and intensive care. Outpatient care includes a chronic hemodialysis program. Through an affiliation with the University of Kentucky Colleges of Medicine and Dentistry, medical and dental students receive a portion of their training at the VA Medical Center. The VA Medical Center also works with other education institutions to train students in many other health care professions.

Holidays, Vacation, Sick Leave

Six holidays are granted during the internship year. These include Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day, and Martin Luther King's Birthday. If scheduled to work a holiday, a compensatory day will be given at another time. One week of vacation is scheduled at Christmas.

Dress Code

Interns are expected to dress professionally and to wear a lab coat over personal clothing and regular shoes for clinical and community experiences. Appropriate shoes are required for working in the food service areas. Lab coats are provided by the hospitals except for the community experiences.

Scholarships

Contact the American Dietetic Association for scholarship information.

Insurance

Interns are required to provide evidence of health insurance. Ambulatory medical services are available through the Student Health Service with payment of an optional student health fee. Additionally, student health insurance can be purchased which covers inpatient medical care. Interns are covered by University of Kentucky Malpractice Insurance during performance of activities required for completion of the internship program.

Stipend

The amount of the stipend is always subject to change based on approval by each facility. The stipend is approximately $4800. The stipend is paid bi-weekly with taxes deducted from the total. The larger portion of the stipend is provided by the Lexington VA Medical Center; therefore, the amount received bi-weekly varies by location.

Appointment Information

One class is admitted each year in mid-August. Six interns are accepted into the traditional program. Appointments are made in April as designated by the American Dietetic Association.

Entrance Requirements

1. Graduation from or evidence of intended graduation from an accredited college or university in the United States.

2. Completion or intent to complete a Didactic Program in Dietetics approved by the American Dietetic Association.

3. United States citizenship since the Veterans Affairs Medical Center provides a significant portion of the stipend.

4. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale; however, applications with a grade point average less than 3.0, but greater than 2.5 are reviewed. Emphasis is placed on grades in professional and science classes.

5. Some priority is given to Kentucky residents or graduates of Kentucky colleges and universities

Computer Matching

All applicants to Dietetic Internships (DI) and most Preprofessional Practice Programs (AP4) must participate in computer matching. Applicants should request instructions and a mark/sense card to prioritize their DI or AP4 preferences. Applicants should request this material from any ADA-approved Didactic Program in Dietetics or from D&D Digital Systems. This request should be made to allow turn around time for submitting by a February 15, 2007 postmark deadline. Contact D&D Digital Systems at: D&D Digital Systems 304 Main Street, Suite 301 Ames, IA 50010 Phone: 515-292-0490 FAX: 515-663-9427 E-mail: dnd@netins.net

Facility Tour

Tours are encouraged and given by appointment. Contact the Internship Director at (859)323-5154 to schedule a tour.

Further Information

Beverly Lenahan, MS, RD, LD

Director, Dietetic Internship Nutrition Services

University of Kentucky Hospital

800 Rose Street, HP 507

Lexington, KY 40536-0293 (859) 323-5154

email: bsvivi0@email.uky.edu

Application Process

All materials may be duplicated.

1. Application Form - Signature - Typed

2. Letter of Application - Handwritten - Limit to 2 pages - Business format with appropriate margins - White/beige/gray bond paper - The letter is a presentation of you both professionally and personally. It should include how your interest in dietetics and nutrition developed, professional goals, how your education and work experience have prepared you for an internship program, your reason for applying to the University of Kentucky Hospital program, and other information about yourself.

3. Official transcript(s) of course work from all colleges and universities attended

4. Declaration of Intent to Complete or Verification of Completion of a Didactic Program in Dietetics

5. Letters of Recommendation (3) - From professionals qualified to evaluate abilities, qualifications, potential, and character - One letter should be work related - Two letters should be from professors in dietetic related course work - No more than 4 recommendations - A separate letter can be attached in lieu of the sections on strengths and qualities that require further development.

6. $40 Application Fee - Payable to the University of Kentucky Hospital - Non-refundable

7. Postmarked by February 15, 2007 Other: You are encouraged to include all materials in one application packet. Please indicate if materials will be sent separately. Do not use binders or have materials professionally bound. Do not enclose a photograph. All materials are expected to be professionally presented. There will be a phone interview of all applicants after receipt of their written application.

UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY HOSPITAL DIETETIC INTERNSHIP PROGRAM ESTIMATED EXPENSES

All fees are for 2009 – 2010 and are subject to change.

1. 2009-2010 Parking Fee to park on UK campus $

Estimated Amount Approximate Date

$232/year August 2009

UK Parking/Transportation Services: http://www.uky.edu/Parking/permits-student.html

2. Student Health Insurance $708 August 2009

(Optional if have own insurance)

For coverage for this year starting 8/26/2009 and ending 6/10/2010, the cost is $708.00.

To continue coverage until 8/25/2010, the cost is $894.00.

University site for Interns' health insurance: http://www.aetnastudenthealth.com/

3. Graduate School Application $30 July 2009

4. Health Fee (Optional) $85.75/semester August 2009 & January 2010

5. ADA Membership Fees

Associate Membership Dues $43 August 2009

$25 After June 2009

Application Fee

Membership Dues

Associate to Active $100 After June 2010

6. Registration Test Fee $125 After June 2010

7. Local Dietetic Association

Student Dues $10 August 2009

8. Food Handler’s Permit $10 August 2009

Housing, meals, transportation, books, and supply costs are variable