From a RD to RN

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Hi, I live in Ny and I was wondering if there is anyone out there that is a Clinical Registered Dietitian and has or is transitioning to a Registered Nurse. We basically take the same pre reqs except for the nursing classes obviously. I was wondering if it is an easy transition because I am considering going into nursing. I love nutrition but I would like to do nursing also. If there is anyone out there can you tell me your experience. Please and thank you.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

I don't know much about the educational process for an RD, but I doubt that it will be an "easy transition." Nursing school is rarely considered easy. I think the transition will be the same for you as it is for anyone else moving into a 2nd degree from any other profession. Except that you will excel in dietary education!

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I am in the process of doing the opposite! Transitioning to dietetics and doing both.

Nursing school admissions should honor your prerequisites, and you likely have experience with patients so that will be in your favor. What attracts you to nursing from nutrition?

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@ICUman, RN

How come you are switching fields?

And I am switching because I feel there are way more opportunities in the Nursing area than the Nutrition area. Also the schedules are more flexible in nursing and the pay is way higher for nurses here in NY. Maybe I can use both of my areas when I am working.

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How come you are switching fields?

I agree that nursing is very versatile and has higher earning potential, particularly if you are based in NY.

I am pursuing it for personal reasons more than professional. Trying to become very knowledgable with health, particularly nutrition. However, I am worried about how competetive dietetic internships seem to be, and whether I'll be able to work part time as an RN during it. Do you have insight?

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Specializes in Family Medicine.

I graduated with a BS in Nutrition with a Concentration in Dietetics. Prior to graduating, I worked with a couple dietitians and found their work limiting (due to the fact that a lot of the services they can provide are not reimbursed by Medicare/Medicaid because they did not get "written in" like PT/OT/ST did).

So, instead of doing a Dietetics Internship, I went to nursing school. I did an associated program and did not have to take any prerequisites. I worked for two years as a nurse and then did a BSN, online, while working. Now, I am enrolled in a MSN program to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. Still working.

I don't know if I really answered your question. Bottomline: in nursing you can make more money than in dietetics, in nursing you can advance your career more easily than dietetics. If RDs had been written into Medicare/Medicaid like PT/OT/ST, it would be a totally different story. I know RDs are working to get "written in" but it will take forever and I am too impatient for that.

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I have 2 more semesters left to get my bachelors in Nutrition & Dietetics. After that I want to pursue a masters in nursing to become a nurse practitioner. I want to combine my nutrition knowledge with nursing and stay within the health field. I feel like it's as close to a Doctorate as I can get. Anyways doctors only have to take 1 nutrition course depending what school they go to, so their knowledge on nutrition is very limited. Do you guys think that is a smart idea? It's something I've always thought of doing.

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Specializes in ER.
I have 2 more semesters left to get my bachelors in Nutrition & Dietetics. After that I want to pursue a masters in nursing to become a nurse practitioner. I want to combine my nutrition knowledge with nursing and stay within the health field. I feel like it's as close to a Doctorate as I can get. Anyways doctors only have to take 1 nutrition course depending what school they go to, so their knowledge on nutrition is very limited. Do you guys think that is a smart idea? It's something I've always thought of doing.

Well, you may need to get another degree in between there unless you can find a direct entry MSN program in your area. They do exist but most of the people I know end up getting their ADN or accelerated BSN and then transitioning to a MSN for nurse practitioner.

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I worked as a clinical RD for Sodexho. Left the field to stay at home with my kids for about 4 years. When I was ready to return to work I decided to switch to nursing for flexibility, money and better opportunities. When I was working as an RD I met another "previous" RD who became a RN through a diploma program. I decided to apply to my local community college (saving time and money) they excepted ALL my pre-req classes. If you can find a BSN program that excepts your previous classes (and money isn't a issue) I would take that path.

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@Lucy100

Well either way, I will try to get my RD credentials and get a job in that area. If all goes well, I will stay, if not, then I will try to work part- time and maybe I can go for a Masters as a Physician Assistant?? It seems like that is the only way I can have my Bachelors in a different area and get into a program that will accept my major. I had nursing in mind at first and then PA, but honestly anything in the healthcare is fine. I just want a career where I know my job is secure and where I can also use my nutrition background. I've looked into some PA programs and they're all around 25-28 months long. The pre reqs are a Bachelors of science ex Anatomy 1 & 2, Chem 1 & 2, Organic, Biology 1 & 2 all that good stuff. So maybe I won't need to take anything since I pretty much have taken all of these classes. IDK! Anything else in mind?

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Specializes in Dialysis.

As long as your sciences are

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