Pediatric nutritionists create and evaluate nutrition programs for patients under 18, help manage weight, comply with dietary restrictions, plan menus for schools, and determine dietary guidelines for public and private agencies. Continuing education is required.
Creating nutrition programs and evaluating policies designed for patients 18 years of age and younger are generally the primary responsibilities of a pediatric nutritionist. Other tasks, such as helping parents manage their children’s weight or prescribing the best nutrition program for a school to follow, may also be completed, depending on the job location. Generally, details about food and babies, children or teenagers are their area of expertise.
In a hospital setting, this type of career often involves working closely with parents and caregivers to implement specific dietary programs. Some children may need help managing their weight, while others may need menus that comply with dietary restrictions as a result of an illness or allergy. It is often difficult for those who have not been specifically trained to work with situations like these to find a solution, which means that a pediatric nutritionist is often very helpful.
The field of education is another scenario that may be encountered by a pediatric nutritionist. Here, the focus shifts from what is best for an individual to what is best for a group as a whole. This type of work might involve planning menus for breakfast and lunch at school, deciding what snacks are served in a cafeteria, or helping parents learn how to prepare healthy meals at home. Some even take up advocacy positions in trying to keep school food healthy and nutritionally rich for students.
Determining broad dietary guidelines to be implemented by public and private agencies is another task that a pediatric nutritionist can handle. A government regulatory body may want to develop appropriate nutritional guidelines and will usually consult with someone working in this field to do so. Your knowledge of this subject would likely aid in the development of safe and accurate guidelines for a wide range of individuals. Likewise, employers in facilities such as day care centers or private schools may choose to consult with someone in that field to ensure that meals provided are nutritionally beneficial.
Education is usually an important part of working as a pediatric nutritionist. In addition to what is required to begin working in the position, continuing education is generally required. Nutritional guidelines often change over time, which makes knowledge very beneficial when working with others. This often gives the pediatric nutritionist the ability to make the most accurate recommendations possible, providing the best results for their clients.
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