RD to RN?

[Laryssamarie88]

Hello,

I'm looking for some advice from others who maybe have been where I am.

I'm presently an RD. I have my CNSC and I work very closely with my docs and nurses in many different projects. I have certification to place post plyoric feeding tubes given to me by my Dept of Surgery as well as Nursing. I'm very happy in my position and feel very respected and afforded a lot of opportunities I know many other dietitians do not have.

But I want more!! I want the opportunity to be more hands on with patient care. I considered becoming a PA but I went to one information session in which the director of the program told me to quit my job and become an ED tech for more "patient experience". With more research, I'm finding that I'm eligible for a 12 month accelerated RN program. The fact that the pay grades are much higher for RN doesn't hurt either...

Does anyone have any advice or opinions on a dietitian becoming an RN? What opportunities are out there for nutrition support as a RN?

Thank you!

[elkpark]

Welcome to allnurses! :balloons:

There is comparatively little nutrition involved in nursing -- that's why hospitals and other healthcare settings employ dieticians. :) You need to be aware that you would be changing disciplines -- I'm sure that your nutrition background would make you a better nurse in some ways than many, but it's unlikely you're going to find a job that will combine both disciplines, or that your nutrition background or your existing degrees and certification will give you much of an advantage as a new nurse graduate.

Best wishes for your journey!

[Laryssamarie88]

Thanks for your quick reply! When I go to nutrition conferences there are actually a lot of nurses that work in different aspects of Nutrition support including home infusion or responsible for implementation of feeding protocols. That aspect would be interesting! Seems like there's a lot more flexibility in nursing!