| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
flopsy
New Member
29 Posts |
 Posted - 14 May 2012 : 19:39:30
|
Hey guys,
Alongside shadowing/work experience days I am also keen to do any volunteering work that I can relate to Dietetics. I have done some volunteering, and will continue to do so, for Diabetes UK as a risk assessor, which I really enjoy.
Having a few spare evenings a week, I have been looking at other opportunities in the area that I live. Do you guys think that helping at a food bank, or at age concern lunches, would be seen as the most linked to a career as a Dietitian? Obviously I would love to do both, but only have time for one so would like to choose the one that will look best when applying to University :)
Any advice greatly appreciated!
|
|
|
Amethyst
Regular Member
United Kingdom
100 Posts |
Posted - 14 May 2012 : 22:47:18
|
| Hi Flopsy, Both of these are worthy voluntary jobs. Possibly the age concern lunches might have the edge if you need to choose one as you will have more chance to interact with the elderly people and develop your communication skills. You will be able to find out how they manage during the rest of the week, how they get their groceries, how they cook and prepare their food and then discuss this at interview. There are a lot of elderly patients to see when working as a Community Dietitian. |
 |
|
|
flopsy
New Member
29 Posts |
Posted - 17 May 2012 : 09:20:01
|
| Yes I think that you are probably right!! Thanks for the response. Can you think of any other causes which may need volunteers and are related to being a Dietitian? I am not the most imaginative and I am finding it difficult to think up more things that I could relate to it when it comes to my application. |
Edited by - flopsy on 17 May 2012 09:21:01 |
|
|
|
Amethyst
Regular Member
United Kingdom
100 Posts |
Posted - 17 May 2012 : 12:55:25
|
| Helping in a hospital or care home at meal times feeding patients who are unable to feed themselves is also very worthwhile. |
|
|
|
Fc98
Starting Member
United Kingdom
8 Posts |
Posted - 10 Jun 2012 : 14:46:46
|
Hi I'm appliying for next year and I didnt realise this sort of work counted so I'm glad I read your post. Ive just written to my local hospitals to shadow their dietician. If helping at meal times with the elderly count then I worked with a disabled child a few years ago and part of the job was preparing his lunch and feeding/assisting him eat, should I write that on my personal statement. Has anybody got any other good ideas?
Thankyou and goodluck with your application |
|
|
|
TomB
Regular Member
119 Posts |
Posted - 10 Jun 2012 : 18:54:25
|
Hi Fc98,
I agree with Amethyst re the hospital or care home. This is important due to the changing demographic of the UK population, and in light if the BDAs "mind the hunger gap" campaign would look good on your application. Most places would bite your hand off if you volunteered, but you may be asked to complete a CRB check prior to working there as the residents may be classed as "vulnerable".
Def write about your experiences already, so helping with assisted feeds would be great. Are you applying for a PG or undergrad course? When writing your personal statement it's important that you reflect on what you've learnt from the situation, what you found difficult, and what you did to overcome this difficulty. Being reflective is KEY.
Tom |
|
|
|
Fc98
Starting Member
United Kingdom
8 Posts |
Posted - 14 Jun 2012 : 08:15:36
|
Hi Tom
Thankyou for your reply. Im applying for undergraduate course. I work as a gym instructor at the moment and do GP referals, half of my clients are in their 60's and 70's. I often get them to keep diet diaries as part of their programmes. I could include that in my statement couldnt I and speak a bit about my findings? |
|
|
|
TomB
Regular Member
119 Posts |
Posted - 15 Jun 2012 : 12:16:42
|
Yes that's good experience, but I'd try and get some from the other perspective - presumably your clients are there as part of a weight-loss/weight management scheme. Although relevent to dietetics - especially because of the increase in child and adult obesity - there is also the branch which deals with helping people keep weight on. That's where the care home work is important as you really don't want this group of people to lose BW. It's also a reason why weight is monitored so closely in hospital by dietitians - especially in chronially ill persons. Any experience would be key though, the more the better. Chester had 16 places (give or take a few) for the PG course last year and I know LOT more applied so enhancing your personal statement with your work your doing (and anything extra) is what will get you your place. If you have any more questions feel free to PM me.
Tom |
|
|
|
Fc98
Starting Member
United Kingdom
8 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jun 2012 : 10:14:17
|
| Thanks alot Tom I will do |
|
|
| |
Topic |
|
Volunteering
