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Rotation Sites, Assignments, Examinations, MeetingsRotation Sites: Whenever possible rotation assignments are made based on the interns residence and areas of interest. Travel times can, however, range from 5 to 90 minutes depending on site availability. Rotations are scheduled within a 70 mile radius of Richmond. When assigned to a distant site, interns may choose to arrange temporary housing close to their assigned site, or commute for the duration of the rotation. Interns are responsible for all expenses associated with travel and or temporary housing arrangements. Pre-rotation Assignments (Study Guides): Dietetic interns are required to complete a series of comprehensive study guides during the summer preceding the internship program. The purpose of the study guides is to help interns thoroughly review the basic nutrition knowledge that they have learned from their undergraduate course-works. Interns in the past have found these assignments beneficial and necessary in preparing for the rotations. Interns will receive study guide materials only after the Didactic Program in Dietetics Verification Statement has been issued from their DPD Program Director. If you have submitted a Declaration of Intent, official university transcripts with grades for completed course deficiencies must be sent to VSU DI after the deficiencies have been complete. The Program Instructor will be corresponding with interns in regard to the completion schedule of all materials. All assignments must be satisfactorily completed preceding the orientation session. Class Assignments/Projects: numerous projects are designed to enrich the multifaceted experience of the internship as well as to sharpen interns’ analytical, computer, organizational, leadership and presentation skills. These projects should be completed throughout the program and include case study reviews and presentations, seminar presentations on special nutrition topics, reviews of peer reviewed publications and designing educational media (e.g. pamphlets, newsletters, bulletin board displays, nutrition education booths, radio/TV presentations, publications). These assignments must be completed by established guidelines. Examinations: Dietetic interns will be given a post-orientation examination, study guides post-tests, and a final examination. The post-orientation examination is given on the last day of the orientation week. Interns are encouraged to review their undergraduate materials in reference to basic nutrition, medical nutrition therapy, biochemistry, foodservice systems management, community nutrition, nutrition counseling and topics discussed during the orientation week. Study guide post-tests are given throughout the internship program and the content are based on the study guide materials. A final examination, which aims at preparing interns for the national registration examination, is given at the end of the internship program. Interns must score a minimum of 75% on all examinations. Interns who receive a score of less than 75% will be required to do remedial study and retake the exam. If the score is unsatisfactory after the 2nd opportunity, the intern is required to take the exam until they receive a successful score at a cost of $25 for each re-take. Professional Meeting Participation: Interns are required to attend the Richmond Dietetic Association (local), Virginia Dietetic Association (state), and other professional meetings as assigned by the Program Instructor. Community Activities: Interns are required to participate in nutrition education activities planned for the community and fund raising events that are sponsored by the Richmond Dietetic Association and VSU DI. FAQs: Q-What's the weather like in Virginia?
A-The weather in VA is typically seasonal with a spring (cool to warm), summer (hot and humid), and winter (cool-cold).
Q-Does it snow in the winter?
A-It may snow in the winter. From year to year the amount of snowfall will vary, but usually VA does not get heavy amounts of snowfall.
Q-Will I have to buy chains for my tires?
A-Not necessary.
Q-How far will you have to travel?
A-Travel will depend on where you decide to live. It could be as close to 10 minutes from your home or up to 90 minutes.
Q-How much will travel expenses cost?
A-Although we are unable to give you an exact amount, you can count on this to be significant since the cost of gas is always rising and the internship requires you to travel a lot.
Q-Is there public transportation in Virginia?
A-In the immediate Richmond area there is some public transportation with buses, but for the purposes of this internship public transportation is not an option. Outside the Richmond city limits and surrounding areas public transportation is not widely available.
Q-Where should I live if I'm moving from out of state? How do I find places to live in Virginia?
A- If you are moving from out of state it is wise to wait until you find out where you will have most of rotations scheduled. Then pick an area close to cut the cost and travel time. There are many resources that you should utilize as you move into the area such as the other interns and where they will be living, Craigslist, Richmond Times Dispatch (inrich.com) and searching on Google.
Q-What kind of social life should I expect during the internship?
A-There will be some time for a social life on weekends and when you are not working on assignments during the week.
Q- How much time will I have to spend on assignments and homework?
A-After rotations during the week and during weekends. Usually requires about 5-10 hours during the week and additional hours during the weekend.
Q-Where are good places to visit in Virginia while I'm here?
A-Although there is not much time for visiting during the internship here are some good places to visit during free time. Richmond-theaters, museums; Virginia Beach-waterfront; Williamsburg- Busch-Gardens, colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown. Please visit Virginia.org for more travel and places to visit in Virginia.
Q-Should I contact the other interns prior to coming to VSU orientation?
A-Yes! Facebook and myspace each other. It is a great way to break the ice! It also may help with living situations, etc.
Q-Can you work during the internship?
A-Although it is usually not recommended some part-time work during the weekend is possible.
Q-Approximately how much will my food costs be?
A- Although we are unable to give an exact amount, at some of your rotation sites you may receive free meals depending on the sites/hospitals during clinical and foodservice.
Q-How much time will I spend on the VSU campus?
A-Very little unless you personally choose to spend more time on campus. You will have classes every Friday on campus. Besides that, you have orientation, and one week research week on campus and then that is pretty much it.
Q-What are typical hours during the day for the internship?
A-Hours will vary from intern to intern (besides the fact that they will always add up to 36 hours per week). A typical foodservice could be as early as 6-4 or more normal from 8am-5:30pm and clinical is usually 8am-5:30pm.
Q-When should I start applying for jobs?
A-You should start applying after Christmas Break into the spring.
Q-Where should I look for jobs?
A-Look for jobs around where you want to live. You can use websites like careerbuilder.com and monster.com, but also focusing on health system and hospitals websites can be a resource. Don’t forget about the ADA website and each state dietetic association website. There are also many nutrition job and dietitian job websites out there so you have to search. Use your connections, you will meet many dietitians during the internship use their connection to your advantage!
Q-Will I have help with my resume?
A-Yes your instructor will have a lecture on resumes and she will be happy to proofread it for you as well.
Q-Should I keep my books from my undergrad?
A- Yes, but most the useful are your MNT, and Foodservice books. They do get outdated, but they will be helpful in completing study guides over the summer and useful as a resource in general.
Q- Is it ok to contact previous interns?
A- Yes, they could be very helpful with any questions you may have.
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