Hi everyone! I'm sure there have been hundreds of posts similar to mine, but I'm still going to ask... I'm in my third year of studying a Bachelor of Human Nutrition and to be honest I'm very tired of studying so it's very unlikely that I'll continue studing postgrad to become a Dietician. This being the case I'm very scared that I will be unable to find a job with my degree, I don't really know what I can get out of it, and feel I've wasted my time and money. Anyway cutting to the case, to any other Australians here, does anyone know of jobs that I could get in Australia with a Bachelor of Human Nutrition?

I know it’s not as exciting as it’s been in the past with the new requirements and that they are getting ready to move away from the computer matching but today was my match day and I got the internship I wanted. Granted I was the only applicant but still! I’m really excited to start my internship!

I have my second interview this week for a nutrition specialist position at a large school district. The first one was a panel of 5 people including the nutrition services director (an RD), another RD from another school district, and other various staff. They asked questions related to menu planning, nutrition standards and guidelines, etc. which I knew were going to be asked. I felt very confident throughout the interview.

This second interview will be with the superintendent and board members. I'm soooo nervous because I have no idea what they'll be asking. My food service rotation preceptor, who's an RD at another large district, said it's uncommon to have interviews with board members and the superintendent for that position.

Other RDs working in school districts, did you have to do this? What did they ask? Or do you have any idea what they may ask?

TIA!!!

Hello! I have a great job that I love right now, but the urge to join/create a private practice is getting stronger.

Can anyone give me a short explanation of the process of creating your own private practice? Is it really just marketing on instagram? Or is it better to try and join a private practice for the ease of being an employee?

Can a CNS provide medical nutrition therapy? If so, in what states and can they bill insurance? Can they become certified diabetes educators? TIA

Has anyone else ever noticed all the major eating disorder treatment centers are owned by private equity firms?

There’s a lot to be said about that but I have also noticed this trend of wanting to use unlicensed/non-clinical staff that are cheaper and can get around licensing laws.

For example, there’s a lot of talk about using ED coaches and there’s absolutely a place for coaches in treatment but not if they are trying to have them take the place of the RD or the therapist.

Hello,

Was wondering if anyone knew who to reach out or how to take my exam before the 45 day deadline. I need to take my RD exam again before the 45 days due to employment reasons. Any help is appreaciated!!

Hello everyone I hope you're doing well! I'm currently on a journey to become a sort of “nutritionist”(I know this word gives professionals the ick), and basically want to provide advice and meal planning and some services. And I could use some guidance and advice from the community.

A little background about myself: I'm a second-year computer science student with a passion for food, nutrition, and wellness. While my formal education is in computer science, l've spent a significant amount of time educating myself about nutrition, diets, and healthy living.

Now, l'm eager to take the next step and pursue a little side thing in nutrition coaching. But I feel like people would only take me seriously only if I have certifications of sorts to prove that. However, as a broke student with limited resources, I'm exploring free or budget-friendly certification options maybe or just some advice to kickstart my journey. I'm open to any recommendations or suggestions for reputable certification programs, online courses, or resources that could help me gain the necessary skills and credentials to become a certified nutritionist.

Additionally, l'd love to connect with individuals who have successfully transitioned into the field of nutrition or health coaching through alternative pathways or free certification programs. If you've pursued a similar path or have any insights to share, l'd greatly appreciate your advice and wisdom. Thank you in advance for any help or guidance you can provide. I'm excited to embark on this new adventure and make a positive impact on people's lives through nutrition and wellness.

Looking forward to hearing from you all! Thank you.

Edit: I’ve had this love for food for a long time and I find myself teaching others how to live a better lifestyle because they just can’t get themselves to research better but I’ve noticed I can do it for quite a few amount of people and help others. Maybe I could start an instagram page where I post some cooking videos of me some basic health tips, some workout stuff? Eventually I was even thinking of writing a little cookbook or something like that, it just feels like I’ve got so many ideas, just need a little bit of a direction.

Is there any dietary guidelines or specific restrictions for patients who have undergone unilateral or bilateral adrenalectomy?

Hi! I'm an RD in Queens. I have a number of nutrition textbooks I used while in graduate school that I am giving away for free. These probably cost me close to $1k altogether. They are in good condition (some highlighting), editions listed below. Pls message me to arrange pickup.

Nutrition Sciences: From Fundamentals to Food, 3rd ed

Research: Successful Approaches, 3rd ed

Biochemistry, 7th ed

Essentials of Pathophysiology, 4th ed

Pediatric Nutrition, 4th ed

Community Nutrition in Action, 6th ed

Foodservice Management Principles and Practices, 13th ed

*EDIT: the books have been claimed :)

Hello! I just passed my exam and am officially an RD in the US! I've been an RD in Canada for the past year and just feeling super confused about liability insurance in the states.

Background: I have my own virtual private practice in Canada and would like to expand it to offer it to Americans as well. I pay for professional liability insurance in Canada and trying to figure out how this works in the states.

Thanks!

I recently switched from inpatient/outpatient to LTC and it's been a crazy week meeting and learning everything. I have 4 buildings (I'm part of a contract company that sends RDs to LTC) and my brain is melting from everything I've learned so far. Any tips from anyone? I really appreciate them!!!

Hello RDs of Canada,

Background to my predicament:

I graduated in 2016 with an MSc in Nutrition and accreditation as a UK AfN Nutritionist (from a UK uni). I'm still actively registered with the UK AfN.

After my studies, I worked just under two years as a nutritionist in the UK (I have an employment letter, contract and pay stubs for this).

Moved to Alberta, Canada in 2019. Got my Canadian PR in 2023. Worked two years as a nutrition science diploma instructor up until now (have the above for this role too).

As you can see I've always enjoyed the field so I'm wanting to get my RD accreditation here in Alberta and start practicing. However, the website for the college here in AB is not very clear due to how different it was to attain my accreditation in the UK. The school are difficult to contact and the pathway seems to be a lot less clear than for NZ, USA and AUS applicants.

They are asking for practicum experience in the guidelines whilst I went straight into work as a nutritionist after my studies.

Questions for RDs of Canada who have knowledge of this:

1. Is it likely I'm approved given my experience, accreditation and education?

2. If not is it still worth applying?

3. Would the college likely, clearly state what I'm missing or what further exams or practicum experience would be required and where I can fulfill those gaps?

4. I already earn the same rate/salary in my current position to an RDs average salary so it seems silly to pay for more studies or practicum experience. Would you still consider doing this in my situation?

Any help or advice is much appreciated Pretty stumped on what to do especially given the earning potential would be the same and the hoops, time and payments I need to jump through.

The other difficult part is that if I'm required to do a practicum aspect, there seems to be no practicum only courses here in AB or BC. I'm happy to study more or go gain more practicum experience but not if it's not worth it. May as well do a second Master's in something else if it's not or continue down my current career path.

Be brutally honest with me! Is it worth it? Thank you.

I’ve been an RDN since 2014, but have been working more on the business side of supplement and nutrigenomics startups and haven’t been doing nutritional counseling for awhile. I’m considering starting my own side business but am feeling imposter syndrome. Does anyone have recommendations for getting back into it? I have some extra time and would be willing to take a course. I’m interested in specializing in functional and sports nutrition. Thanks for any recommendations!

I’m going to start my own business (wanting to start sooner than later but realize it might be best to wait until I get my MS/take exam)

& am curious if it’s worth it to get any certifications to get a head start to my business or if I should just focus on getting my degree and relaxing in my free time (summer/breaks)?

What would you recommend? Is there anything I can do to jump start before I graduate (years away)?

I am wondering if there are any dietetic positions for the CDC, WHO, or any other large health agencies. If so, what exactly did you apply for, what does your job entail, and how is the pay? I have always wanted to work for the CDC, but I cannot find anything that hires dietitians.

I’ve been a dietitian since 2008, and I have my MS. Worked initially for 4.5 years in one job (community nutrition) then stayed home for about 5 years after starting a family (I worked very minimally reviewing nutrition education for my first employer during this time). I started working again, part time in 2021. Left that job in 2023 and started at my current job. I work in outpatient, specifically weight management, since 2021. My current job is just so incredibly frustrating- so much red tape and administrative work vs actually working with patients. I probably wouldn’t mind it so much but my employer (a government agency) really restricts overtime but it’s impossible to practice how I want to/feel I ethically should without going over my allotted hours. I am paid for 20 hrs a week but really work about 22-23 a week. I don’t mind, but the extra time I put in is for admin type work that really isn’t helping anyone with nutrition related info. It’s red tape type work. I just don’t know where to go from here. I am blessed that my spouse makes a great living so I don’t have to work, but I want to. I just can’t continue to spend extra time away from my family to finish up work that really doesn’t matter, but has to be done. I left my last job, the one I started in 2021, mainly because the other medical providers I worked in my department with would continuously undermine the dietitians’ advice (I worked and still work in weight management). I guess I’m just really struggling with working in environments where I feel what I have to offer is not being utilized, whether it’s because other providers in my department are actively telling patients not to listen to me, or because I spend the majority of my time doing administrative work that’s required because the system is so inefficient.

RDs in LTC, how do you change Bolus feeding for a resident who has been upgraded from NPO to po intake? When do you put a hold on the enteral feeding order and how does that work?

I have been at my job 3 to 4 solid months now as a school dietitian for a management company and I have never hated a job this much..In my role, I thought I would be planning menus and I have not been doing any of that or closely related. I have been more of a supervisor because I primarily provide coverage at schools, review purchasing orders, train on production records, train on how to follow recipes, stepping in as a kitchen manager when managers are on vacation. I have been a dietitian before but never a kitchen manager or supervisor so I truly feel like I am failing at my job. We currently have a Director from another district at our district and she is telling me things like you need to be doing XYZ because dietitians are our district do XYZ and your district would benefit from you doing that but you’re still expected to do what you’re currently doing.. my job is salaried so I was told even when I have other work to do I still am expected to finish my work even if that means I have to work over 40 hours and just for salary transparency I get paid 60k. I started to have a feeling that maybe I don’t belong to my job when I was starting to think that I didn’t want to wake up anymore and not because I want my life to end but because I really don’t want to go to my job. Being a school dietitian has been my dream and it could just be the specific district that I’m with, but I am not completely sure and I’m wondering if I should try to just stick it out

Like title says, the most egregious, dumbest, and/or insulting thing you’ve seen a physician, midlevel, nurse, etc consult you for? (Not including low albumin)

What did you do?

How are you making sure that the disrespect/dumbassery does not come out of your printer ever again?

I want to get additional certification. The website is vague and I'm not sure how to study for the tests.

My work has an education reimbursement as well as a raise (very minor) so I'd like to pursue this.

Any tips or resources?

Is it common for patients transitioning to an oral diet after being on tube feed for a while to have all foods taste metallic or even just bland? I’ve had multiple patients complain of this lately but have never seen it before. Thanks!

If a patient has sepsis, is this an absolute contraindication to TPN?

Should you wait until EN becomes feasible?

Hi All,

I am an RD (4 years) and just started a new job in diabetes (I have my CDE but have not done a lot of complex care). I LOVED my old job but the workplace was toxic and my previous manager was a bit of a micromanager.

My new job of 1 week is overwhelming and so different and I've been having anxiety attacks every day about it. I even asked for my old job back but it's been radio silence (I was a great worker and left on good terms).

I'm now part-time working from home, haven't met the team yet, and can hardly eat, sleep, move, let alone work. I have never felt like this about a new job and I'm so lost. My family has been very supportive but I feel so lost and alone. I have a bad feeling I made a huge mistake.

Struggling with moving forward. Has anyone experienced this before? I feel like I am quite capable of managing stressors but this is next level.

this RD just got promoted to president of kaiser permanente hospitals and health plan in Hawaii:

"Today it is with immense pleasure that following a comprehensive search, I am announcing our new president of Kaiser Foundation Health Plan and Hospitals Hawaii, Edmund “Ed” Chan. Currently, Ed serves as the Senior Vice President and Area Manager for the Kaiser Permanente East Bay Service Area, one of the largest service areas in Northern California.

Ed will bring to our Hawaii operations more than a decade of successful leadership experience and skills gained at both the local and regional levels of Kaiser Permanente. As the East Bay SVP since 2019, Ed’s collaborative leadership with his Permanente physician partners & area teams significantly transformed the operations of the East Bay Service Area. Today it is one of the highest performing service areas in the Northern California region.

Before joining Kaiser Permanente, Ed held a variety of leadership roles at ARAMARK Corporation, a provider of health care ancillary services to hospitals and health systems across the U.S. Over a 10-year career with ARAMARK, Ed led teams at prestigious academic medical centers such as UC San Diego Health, Vanderbilt University Health System, and the Duke University Health System. Ed’s enthusiasm for building high performing teams, coupled with a reputation for delivering results led to his many leadership roles across the country.

A registered dietitian, Ed Chan began his health care career as a hospital dietitian. He earned his Bachelor of Science at the University of Delaware and his Master of Healthcare Administration at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His dietitian internship was completed at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, MA. Ed is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE), and a member of the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics. He also serves on the Board of Directors for Fresh Approach, a Northern California, nonprofit aimed at improving access to fresh fruits and vegetables in underserved communities throughout the San Francisco Bay area."

I started a new job and teach a course to community members on label reading. I had some good questions come up during the group that I didn't know how to answer, and couldn't find straight answer when I researched. Any insight? (FYI I'm in Canada)

- What is the margin of error allowed on nutrition facts tables in Canada?

- How does the % DV consider children's needs if they require less nutrients per day?

- Because sodium is often used as a preservative in packaged foods, what is used in place of sodium to preserve foods in low sodium products?

Hello! I just started in Bariatrics and am looking for resources. I am already doing the bariatric nutrition pro course and was just wondering if anyone knew about any other helpful resources. Thanks in advance!

Am I remembering correctly the following minimum concentrations for TPN: dextrose no less than 10% total volume, AA no less than 4%, and lipids no less than 2%? And to find this - would you just calculate how much volume the macro would provide, and divide that by the total volume of the TPN? Thx!!

Hey all! I am a relatively new dietitian working IP. I notice a lot of the times I am repeating myself with certain phrases. I find myself struggling with the wording of some things. I am hoping to get some input on phrases other RDs use frequently. Examples: when a pt has transitioned to CMO, you got a consult/referral that is not accurate (i.e. PI but pt doesn't have one), ONS, etc.

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Thank you in advance!!

Currently I’m a senior in high school deciding if I should go into the major of dietetics to be a dietitian but I hear a lot of how the pay isn’t good and people get burned out. From people who are dietitians or in this field of dietetics what would be the best option you’d say?