The Dietetics Profession PDF

The Dietetics Profession  Dietetics is defined as 'the application of the science of nutrition to the human being in health and disease. However, the term 'dietitian,' used to describe a practitioner of dietetics, was in use long before the science of nutrition had become an accepted discipline ...

The Dietetics Profession  Dietetics is defined as 'the application of the science of nutrition to the human being in health and disease. However, the term 'dietitian,' used to describe a practitioner of dietetics, was in use long before the science of nutrition had become an accepted discipline  The use of diet in the treatment of disease was already an ancient practice even though it was based more on trial and error than on scientific knowledge. Besides physicians, others including home economists, nurses, and cooks were practicing and teaching about good dietary practices, and researchers were uncovering the secrets of nutrients in foods and their health-promoting effect. The role of the dietitian The role of the dietitian has changed markedly in the past 50 years, and the dietitian is now accepted as the expert in the planning and evaluation of nutritional care for patients requiring therapeutic dietary regimens as well as for the population in general What is a clinical dietitian? Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) Clinical dietitians are Registered Dietitians who specialize in work in healthcare settings. The primary role of a clinical dietitian is to design nutrition programs to improve or maintain the health of patients Registered Dietitian (RD) A dietitian who has completed the registration eligibility requirements established by the commission on Dietetic Registration, successfully passed the Registration Examination for Dietitians, and meets continuing education requirements. In addition, some RDs have achieved additional certification in specialized areas of practice, such as pediatric, renal nutrition, sports nutrition, gerontological nutrition, and oncology nutrition.  Dietetic Technician, Registered (DTR) A technician who has completed registration eligibility requirements established by the Commission on Dietetic Registration, successfully passed the Registration Examination for Dietetic Technicians, and meets continuing education requirements. How is Dietetics a Profession? Five main characteristics of dietetic practice qualify it for professional status: 1. A specialized body of knowledge. 2. Specialized services rendered to society 3. An obligation for service to the client that overrides personal considerations. 4. Concern for competence and honor among the practitioners 5. An obligation for continuing education, research, and sharing of knowledge for the common good. What is the function of dietetics? 1. They identify nutrition problems 2. Assess the nutritional status of patients 3. Develop care plans 4. Monitor effectiveness of nutrition interventions 5. Counsel patients on therapeutic diet modifications How do you introduce a good self-introduction? To introduce yourself professionally in an interview, start with a polite greeting, state your full name, mention your educational background and relevant work experience, highlight key skills and strengths, briefly share your career objective, and express gratitude for the opportunity How do you describe yourself in self-introduction? I am passionate about my work.... I am ambitious and driven.... I am highly organised.... I am a people person.... I am a natural leader.... I am result oriented.... I am an excellent communicator. Where Do Dietitians Work and What Do They Do? Most RDs are found in the following settings: Hospitals, health maintenance organizations (HMOs), and other healthcare facilities. RDs educate patients about nutrition and administer medical nutrition therapy (MNT) as part of the healthcare team. They also manage the foodservice operation, where they oversee every thing from food purchasing and preparation to managing the staff. Schools, day care centers, and correctional facilities. RDs manage the foodservice operations, planning menus, purchasing food, supervising preparation, and directing the staff.  Sports nutrition and corporate wellness programs. RDs educate clients about the connection between food, fitness, and health. Food and nutrition-related businesses and industries. RDs work in communications, consumer affairs, public relations, marketing, and product development.  Private practice. RDs work under contract with healthcare or food companies or in their own business. RDs provide services to restaurant and foodservice managers, food vendors and distributors, athletes, nursing home residents and company employees. Community and public health settings. RDs teach, monitor, advise, and help the public to improve their quality of life through the promotion of healthy eating habits.  Universities medical centers. RDs teach physicians, nurses, dietetics students and interns, and others the science of food and nutrition. Research facilities. RDs direct and collaborate on experimental research to answer critical questions at food and pharmaceutical companies, universities, and hospitals.