MNT Specialty Rotation

Oncology Unit
UW-Health
Madison, WI

I spent a total of 4 weeks on the oncology unit at UW-Health. Two of these weeks were a part of my acute rotation and the additional two weeks were my management rotation. 

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My management rotation consisted of:

• Screening all patients on a daily basis

• Prioritizing who needed to be seen that day

• Completing nutrition consults

• Providing education independently

• Attending daily rounds and communicating with the team about the nutrition status of various patients.  

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A majority of the patients I saw were undergoing chemotherapy and radiation, putting them at risk for poor appetite, nausea, and vomiting. I would provide education on how to maximize on nutrition during this time. I became familiar with discussing nutritional supplement beverages (Boost, Ensure, etc) and high calorie, high protein food options. Some of the patients were on enteral nutrition to which I helped manage tube feeds. On average, I would see 6-8 patients on my own per day.