Everything you Need to know about the StFX Integrated Dietetic Internship Program Laura Reid, MEd, PDt, CDE – IDI Coordinator September 2012

WHY IDI at StFX To open more doors to the dietetic profession To open more doors to the dietetic profession To integrate academic learning with experiential learning To integrate academic learning with experiential learning To add a “training” component to the strong education you get at St FX To add a “training” component to the strong education you get at St FX

WHY IDI at StFX To work with dietitians in the region to build a stronger profession To work with dietitians in the region to build a stronger profession To meet the service needs of our region To meet the service needs of our region To offer an alternative to graduate internships To offer an alternative to graduate internships

WHO Should Apply? Intent to apply by end of second year HNU Intent to apply by end of second year HNU March 30 th deadline –hand in to Dr. Doris Gillis, Department Chair at the Main Office March 30 th deadline –hand in to Dr. Doris Gillis, Department Chair at the Main Office Formal Application in third year. Course sequence equivalent to the established academic requirements for the HNU Program (see academic calendar for more details). Formal Application in third year. Course sequence equivalent to the established academic requirements for the HNU Program (see academic calendar for more details).

WHO Should Apply? Wanted: Super Keen IDI Machines! Wanted: Super Keen IDI Machines! ARE YOU… - self-directed - flexible - open communicator - caring - team player - independent

WHO’S WHO? IDI Coordinator – Laura Reid( JBB-247) IDI Coordinator – Laura Reid( JBB-247) External Advisory Committee (13 members) External Advisory Committee (13 members) Selection Committee (1 faculty, 2 dietitians) Selection Committee (1 faculty, 2 dietitians) Preceptors – Dietetic professionals who supervise IDI Interns during a placement Preceptors – Dietetic professionals who supervise IDI Interns during a placement

Current IDI Interns 5 completing their final internship practicum (PIII) this fall 5 completing their final internship practicum (PIII) this fall 4 in their second practicum (PII) and entering their final PIII in January 4 in their second practicum (PII) and entering their final PIII in January 1 intern in their first practicum (PI) 1 intern in their first practicum (PI) 6 completed PI this summer and are back for their 4 th year of study 6 completed PI this summer and are back for their 4 th year of study

WHAT are the Admission Requirements? At the earliest, students may commence internship after completing the 3 rd year course sequence AND HNU 356 At the earliest, students may commence internship after completing the 3 rd year course sequence AND HNU 356 Completed all 1 st and 2 nd year HNU courses Completed all 1 st and 2 nd year HNU courses

Admission Requirements? Overall average of 65% Overall average of 65% And an average of 70% in HNU courses And an average of 70% in HNU courses For those applying in 2015 or after: Overall average of 70% Overall average of 70% And an average of 75% in HNU courses And an average of 75% in HNU courses For those applying in 2013 or 2014:

Prior to beginning IDI (Required for Practicum I) Must have: Must have: Food Service (HNU 356) Food Service (HNU 356) Communications (HNU 235) Communications (HNU 235) Nutrition Assessment (HNU 351) Nutrition Assessment (HNU 351) Nutrition in Chronic Disease Prevention & Management (HNU 352) Nutrition in Chronic Disease Prevention & Management (HNU 352) Community Nutrition (HNU 365) Community Nutrition (HNU 365)

Additional Requirements for Practicum II Must complete other required courses & HNU 456, Food Service System Management before progressing to 2 nd practicum Must complete other required courses & HNU 456, Food Service System Management before progressing to 2 nd practicum

What about Transfer Students and 5 th Year HKIN Students? These students who have not completed the required course sequence by the end of their third year may apply for the IDI program in their 4 th or 5 th year These students who have not completed the required course sequence by the end of their third year may apply for the IDI program in their 4 th or 5 th year If accepted, these students may complete three consecutive practica throughout the summer, fall and winter after their graduation. If accepted, these students may complete three consecutive practica throughout the summer, fall and winter after their graduation.

Don’t Miss Your Chance! Can only apply to the IDI program once Can only apply to the IDI program once Must apply at the appropriate time (after completion of 3 rd year course sequence) Must apply at the appropriate time (after completion of 3 rd year course sequence)

HOW many weeks? Three (3) fourteen (14) week placements including an Orientation program after the successful completion of 3 rd year of studies: Three (3) fourteen (14) week placements including an Orientation program after the successful completion of 3 rd year of studies: Practicum I – First of May to mid August Practicum I – First of May to mid August Complete 4 th year of studies Complete 4 th year of studies Practicum II – First of May to mid August Practicum II – First of May to mid August Practicum III – First of September to mid December Practicum III – First of September to mid December

Typical Breakdown for each Practicum PI PI 5 week food service 5 week food service 5 weeks community 5 weeks community 4 weeks nutrition assessment/clinical 4 weeks nutrition assessment/clinical PII PII 7 weeks food service 7 weeks community PIII PIII 14 week clinical

WHERE are placements ? The majority of our placements are located Nova Scotia. We do have some placements in other areas of Atlantic Canada Must be willing to relocate within Atlantic Canada if necessary, and be aware you may not get to pick your location (placements may not be at home) *Some placements require a vehicle

Common Questions #1 How many internship spots are available? This differs each year depending on the availability of preceptors. Each year we have attempted to expand the program by an additional 1-2 spots, however this is dependant on the supporters of our program. This differs each year depending on the availability of preceptors. Each year we have attempted to expand the program by an additional 1-2 spots, however this is dependant on the supporters of our program. The IDI Coordinator will know in January how many spots will be available for that application year. The IDI Coordinator will know in January how many spots will be available for that application year.

Common Questions: #2 Can I pick my placements? Input may be possible for PII and PIII, but NOT for PI as the placements are determined before the interns are selected! Input may be possible for PII and PIII, but NOT for PI as the placements are determined before the interns are selected! Priority is given to placing interns in Nova Scotia with the preceptors that support our program. Options outside the Maritimes are becoming more and more limited due to several issues. Priority is given to placing interns in Nova Scotia with the preceptors that support our program. Options outside the Maritimes are becoming more and more limited due to several issues.

It All Comes Down to… 106 DC competencies 106 DC competencies Professional Practice Competence Professional Practice Competence Assessment Competence Assessment Competence Planning Competence Planning Competence Implementation Competence Implementation Competence Evaluation Competence Evaluation Competence Communication Competence Communication Competence Research Competence Research Competence Accomplished through Performance Objectives and Enabling Activities Accomplished through Performance Objectives and Enabling Activities

Getting started… JUST DO IT! JUST DO IT! Get started early Get started early Develop Resume Develop Resume Talk to possible references Talk to possible references Police Check Police Check Work on your Portfolio, Resume and Cover Letter Work on your Portfolio, Resume and Cover Letter Speak with Interns and IDI Coordinator Speak with Interns and IDI Coordinator Scholarships available Scholarships available

Key Dates Oct (2 Dates TBA) – Portfolio and Resume Workshops Oct (2 Dates TBA) – Portfolio and Resume Workshops Oct 5 th – IDI Application available on HNU website Oct 5 th – IDI Application available on HNU website Nov 29 th – Intent to Apply Form & Composite request must be in Nov 29 th – Intent to Apply Form & Composite request must be in January 11 th – Putting IDI package together January 11 th – Putting IDI package together Feb 1 st – Application package submitted Feb 1 st – Application package submitted Mid February – Informed of interview Mid February – Informed of interview End of February - Selection Committee screens and conducts interviews End of February - Selection Committee screens and conducts interviews Mid March – IDI Coordinator informs ALL applicants of application status Mid March – IDI Coordinator informs ALL applicants of application status Within 3 days – applicants must return signed letter of acceptance Within 3 days – applicants must return signed letter of acceptance

Check out the HNU Website

Questions? Questions? Laura Reid, MEd,PDt,CDE IDI Coordinator JBB