SITE SELECTION

IF YOU LIVE IN THE NEW YORK, LONG ISLAND AREAS, NYDDI HAS IN PLACE SEVERAL SITES AND PRECEPTORS FOR UP TO 6 INTERNS PER SEMESTER.

Interns are required to secure their clinical preceptor before admission. We ask interns to download the single page preceptor form in our Forms dropdown menu and send it to your preceptor. Ask your preceptor to complete the form. It is a non-binding agreement. Have them send you the signed form and attach it to your supplemental DICAS application.

NOTE: Clinical rotations at hospital are challenging to find. Therefore, we suggest you contact local nursing and rehabilitation facilities that provide enteral feedings. Preceptors in these settings are more accessible to guide you in completing assignments.

The best way to secure any rotation is to call the facility and speak to the Dietitian. Try to make an appointment for an interview. Once an appointment is secured you are on your way to securing a rotation.

We cannot overemphasize the need to act swiftly securing facilities, preceptors, and affiliation agreements. This process takes time, frequently months. Certain preceptors require interviews, certain facilities require their own medical and background clearances. Interns must continually work at following up.

NYDDI strongly encourages interviewing with preceptors.

The idea of interviewing with a preceptor beforehand is to develop some chemistry. We want both parties to determine in advance if they think their time will be well spent. It is always easier to move on, if the intern feels the preceptor, space and or location, is not a right fit.

In many ways a preceptor is also a mentor. They are sacrificing their work time, energy, and knowledge with the intention of helping helping the intern become the best possible entry-level dietitian. Like any relationship, it can take time to get to know one another. The smartest starting point is to establish a work schedule. Once established, it makes sense to review all your assignments with the preceptor in advance.

Within the first few days it is best to share with the preceptor the following:

• IT requirements with NYDDI e.g., DI App- best to Bookmark
• NYDDI policies – e.g., handbook
• Work schedule
• Assignments to meet competencies
• Daily assignments (preceptor may delegate)

Preceptors are busy! The intern needs to show and remind the preceptor what is needed so they can be on the same page.

NYDDI provides preceptors with a useful Preceptor Handbook once we receive the signed forms.

Preceptors are asked to review material on the ACEND website regarding their work as preceptors. It is an excellent resource and provides helpful guidance before and during work as a preceptor. See Dietetics Preceptor Training Program. By participating in trainings, preceptors can earn C.E. credits. Please view the website for details.