Clinical nutritionists advise patients and medical professionals on nutrition based on deficiencies, disease-related needs, or weight management goals. They plan diets, oversee meal preparation, and consult with patients and families about following a prescribed dietary regimen at home. A bachelor’s degree in a related field is required.
Clinical nutritionists are experts in the healthcare industry who regularly advise patients and medical professionals on the nutritional foods necessary for good health. These recommendations are typically based on an analysis of vitamin or mineral deficiencies, disease-related needs, or weight management goals. Nutritionists regularly work in nursing care facilities, correctional institutions, clinics and hospitals.
After making their recommendations, clinical nutritionists usually monitor and analyze the results. Patients with illnesses such as diabetes or kidney disease are often the specialty of some nutritionists because their conditions are so acutely affected by their diets. Diets designed to correct critical deficiencies in a specific vitamin or mineral are typically of particular interest to clinical nutritionists and are usually closely watched.
Planning diets and overseeing meal preparation in various types of facilities are common duties of clinical nutritionists. Following the guidelines of physicians and other health professionals, nutritionists develop and implement menus based on dietary restrictions, such as low-salt or low-fat requirements, or to increase or decrease a patient’s body weight. Sensitivities or allergies to specific substances are important considerations for clinical nutritionists when creating menus as well.
The resourcefulness of nutritionists is often challenged as they typically have to work with the foods available on the premises to develop narrow menus and recipes that are both palatable and visually appealing. Other considerations in menu development are the age of the patient and the level of appetite stimulation required. Cultural food preferences and dietary restrictions related to religious dogma are also common concerns.
As patients prepare to be discharged, clinical nutritionists traditionally consult with patients and their families about following a prescribed dietary regimen at home. Nutritionists regularly prepare lists of preferred foods, guidelines for optimal preparation methods, and sample menus for reference and guidance. They usually make themselves available to answer questions after patients are discharged.
In addition to regularly communicating with patients, families, and medical staff, clinical nutritionists often supervise food service workers and employees in serving and preparing food. They may also conduct research on food and nutrients. Some clinical nutritionists contribute to formal educational programs for hospital staff and medical students.
Depending on the seniority of clinical dietitians, they may be asked on a regular basis to submit monthly employee performance reviews. Assisting with the scheduling of dietetic interns and clinical nutritionists can be a regular part of your job. They are also expected to help the department director review and reformulate policies and procedures.
A bachelor’s degree in dietetics, human nutrition, nutritional sciences, food and nutrition, or a related field, is required for a position as a clinical nutritionist. Licensing requirements vary by region and institution. Years of work experience required vary by employer.
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