Did anyone here start out with a degree in nutrition or consider that over nursing? I'm thinking about it, but unfortunately there's no such thing as allRDs.com
I became a CNA because I love the elderly. I love my job to pieces, but I don't make enough money, so I thought about taking the next step going to nursing school. But all the nurses at my job do a long medpass, then paperwork, followed by another medpass and more paperwork. They don't really get to do any hands-on care. One of them told me if she could make more money as a CNA she would totally prefer that over pushing pills. I know that it's pretty much like that in all LTCs. And I was under the impression that once you're a licensed nurse, you cannot work as a CNA anymore.
I'm really interested in nutrition, and I learned that RDs make about twice as much money as I do now and they also have a few different options regarding career paths. The job seems less stressful, with better hours, and I would still be able to at least work per diem as a CNA for as long as my back can stand it.
Like I said, there's no amazing website for dietitians out there, so I'm hoping someone on here has something to say about it.
I am a registered dietitian, have been in the field for about 8 years and now trying to transition into NP. If I had to do it over again I would not have choosen dietitics.
The road as far as eduation is long. You are required to have a BA followe by an full, time unpaid internship (6 months to one year). Most of the undergraduate coursework is very similar to nursing lots of chemistry, A&P, microbiology etc.
The pay as a clinical dietitian is not as good as that of an RN. In order to make good money as a dietitian you need to get into management (which often requires a Master's) or food service.
Also, I am concerned about the future of the field. Reimbursement for RD services is a big problem. Also, I've seen our ability to function independently slowly disappearing. For example, order writing privileges are being taken away in the state of California. The skills and knowledge we have aren't utilized. I've worked in hospitals were admistration thought the RN handing a patient a handout on low sodium diet was just as effective as a RD providing counseling with all the knowledge and expertise we have.
Every field has there pros and cons but at least from my perspective I wouldn't advise dietetics as a career choice based on my experience in the field.
Especially if you're someone that enjoys hand on care. Dietetics is fairly hands off and the scope is limited. That's probably the biggest driver for me to get out of the field.
Just my thoughts! :) You can check out dietititancentral.com for more information on the field and other people's perspectives.
Also, there are less jobs in the field of dietetics. I've lived on both coasts and in the mid-west. I've always been able to find a job but the mid-west is rough as far as finding a full time job even with experience and a Master's degree. The sheer number of nursing staff in any hospital or facility at any level is care is far greater than nursing staff. A 200 bed hospital might have 2 or 3 full-time RDs at most. My first job was in a 200 bed long-term care facility and I was the only dietitian.
If you're interested in the field shadowing is a great idea. You might find it's a really good fit for you.
I'd love to answer any questions you have about RDs, salary, and job opportunities.
I do believe nurses earn more, but it would depend on the region. Whatever you decide, you should pursue your passion! The salary will never be enough if you're doing something you don't thoroughly enjoy.
Great points. Sodexo does reimburse for ADA dues, advanced certifications, and provides annuall stipends towards CEUs. Check out jobs at http://bit.ly/sdxrds
I graduated with a Nutrition B.S. degree and currently work in a community program. I was not interested in the internship, because I wanted to get into the field as soon as I graduated. Boy am I glad that I did that. I make the same amount of money as the RD's at my local hospital and the ones that I work with. Everyone is right about the lack of jobs for RDs (especially where I live), but I guess it depends where you go. The downside to my job is that it lacks the hands on experience and its extremely repetitive. Because it is community work, I already know how my week will be, which is not always fullfilling. I am a licensed CNA as well and I recently got accepted to a nursing program. Not only will I be more fullfilled going this route, but I will more likely make more money. Whatever you chose, consider everything involved.
26faster
28 Posts
Hi,
I am a registered dietitian, have been in the field for about 8 years and now trying to transition into NP. If I had to do it over again I would not have choosen dietitics.
The road as far as eduation is long. You are required to have a BA followe by an full, time unpaid internship (6 months to one year). Most of the undergraduate coursework is very similar to nursing lots of chemistry, A&P, microbiology etc.
The pay as a clinical dietitian is not as good as that of an RN. In order to make good money as a dietitian you need to get into management (which often requires a Master's) or food service.
Also, I am concerned about the future of the field. Reimbursement for RD services is a big problem. Also, I've seen our ability to function independently slowly disappearing. For example, order writing privileges are being taken away in the state of California. The skills and knowledge we have aren't utilized. I've worked in hospitals were admistration thought the RN handing a patient a handout on low sodium diet was just as effective as a RD providing counseling with all the knowledge and expertise we have.
Every field has there pros and cons but at least from my perspective I wouldn't advise dietetics as a career choice based on my experience in the field.
Especially if you're someone that enjoys hand on care. Dietetics is fairly hands off and the scope is limited. That's probably the biggest driver for me to get out of the field.
Just my thoughts! :) You can check out dietititancentral.com for more information on the field and other people's perspectives.