Nutritional support dietitians develop diets and nutrition plans, provide advice on food preparation, and monitor feeding processes for patients who cannot chew, swallow, or digest food without assistance. They coordinate with healthcare providers to develop diets that meet patients’ medical and nutritional needs. They may offer Enteral Nutrition (EN) or Parenteral Nutrition (PN) to patients. Nutritional support dietitians typically have a degree in nutrition, dietetics, or food service administration and may be required to obtain a license.
A nutritional support dietitian, also known as a clinical nutritionist, develops diets and nutrition plans; provides advice on food preparation; and monitors the feeding process of patients unable to chew, swallow or digest food without assistance. Such assisted feeding is necessary to ensure that these patients maintain a dietary intake that still promotes good health. The typical nutritional support dietitian is employed in hospitals, nursing homes and other types of assisted living facilities. Typically, she coordinates with a patient’s physician, nurse, or health care provider to develop a diet that meets the patient’s medical and nutritional needs. Like other nutritionists, a nutritional support nutritionist must have at least a bachelor’s degree and may be required to obtain a license before becoming involved in nutrition preparation or working as a nutritionist.
Artificial feeding under the supervision of a nutritionally supportive nutritionist is important for the patient’s comfort and well-being. The support provided in this way helps the individual maintain their current weight or even gain weight if deemed necessary by the physician and nutritionist. Nutrition plans also help patients maintain their energy levels and avoid physical weakness. Finally, nutrition support programs created by a registered dietitian eliminate the pain and anxiety that a patient unable to chew or swallow may experience during meals.
There are two primary forms of feeding offered by a nutrition support nutritionist after a joint consultation with the patient’s physician: Enteral Nutrition (EN) and Parenteral Nutrition (PN). EN is recommended for patients who cannot consume enough food due to difficulties in chewing or swallowing. With this method of feeding, a nutritional support nutritionist develops a nutritional fluid tailored to the patient’s needs. She then supervises the insertion of a feeding tube into the patient’s nose and stomach or directly into the stomach via insertion into the abdomen.
PN delivers nutrition through the bloodstream. As with EN, the nutritional support nutritionist develops a liquid formula consisting of the appropriate nutrients. This formula is introduced directly into the blood stream by inserting a tube into the patient’s vein.
The typical nutrition support dietitian has a degree in nutrition, dietetics, or food service administration. Some colleges and trade schools may also offer specialized programs for students interested in careers as nutritionists. Some countries, states, and municipalities also require nutritionists to meet certain experience requirements and pass an exam before advising physicians on meal programs or working with patients.
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