RN to..Nutritionist? Fused position?

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Ok, so I've been an ER RN for approx. 2 years now. I like it, but I get burned out sometimes! I'll admit it. I deal with it, then get up in the morning and do the best I can do. I take care of patients efficiently and with as much compassion as I can muster up! :nurse: I have my diploma and the plan was to go back to get my BSN.

However, I have found a new interest in nutrition. It just fascinates me how fitness and nutrition makes a huge difference in people's overall health. So, I was wondering..

SHOULD I GO BACK AND GET MY BSN IN NURSING,

and then...

go back to get a degree in nutrition?

OR should I just go back and go for the degree in nutrition?

AND WHAT JOBS WOULD I GET AS AN RN/NUTRITIONIST?

Ultimately, I would like to work a hospital and/or wellness clinic of some sort educating people on the importance of staying fit and the importance of nutrition. I wouldn't mind working for a gym either as a nutritionist/helping with weight loss. Working in a weight loss clinic would be ideal, also. I really believe that the general public need to know the importance of good nutrition to stay healthy!

(Note, I'm 31, married, w/ no kids- so the time is NOW before I DO have kids!!! :chuckle )

Thanks for any advice or comments in advice :) :redbeathe Jessica

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Stepdown, Vascular ICU.

What a coincidence! I'm am looking to do the same exact thing. I'm an RN with a BS and my interest has been shifting to nutrition, health and wellness recently. I've been working inpatient acute care for almost 2 years now and I can feel myself getting burned out already! Plus it's heartbreaking and depressing to care for patients who have so many chronic illnesses simply because they haven't taken care of their bodies for whatever reasons and circumstances. I want to educate patients on how to stay healthy and avoid the many chronic illnesses that is ravaging our country. I've mentioned transitioning to a nutritionist to some co-workers and everyone frowned and said I wouldn't make any money. With that said I haven't networked with anyone yet to help me navigate this transition.

I think you should look into getting your bachelor's degree if possible, but if you could transition into being a nutritionist first then go for it. I guess it depends on your situation and whatever sacrifices you would have to make. Good luck. I'd love to hear what direction you plan to go to being I'm trying to take a similar road.

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I will definitely keep you up to date. I'm thinking about maybe online...or if I move up north..I'll go to University of Maryland for RD. I think NSU has a RD program also :)

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Stepdown, Vascular ICU.

Okay cool. And I'll keep you updated as well. Good luck!

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I'm so happy to find others with similar interests!! I'm currently going studying to get a Bachelors in Nutrition Science and I was wondering if pursuing a nursing program afterward is possible, if I can get into a BSN after graduating or do I have to go through an AA in Nursing first? :uhoh3:

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
I'm so happy to find others with similar interests!! I'm currently going studying to get a Bachelors in Nutrition Science and I was wondering if pursuing a nursing program afterward is possible, if I can get into a BSN after graduating or do I have to go through an AA in Nursing first? :uhoh3:

You could do either a BSN program or ADN. There are quite a few accelerated second degree BSN programs for students who already hold a Bachelors degree. One of those programs might be worth a look, but they usually recommend students don't work while doing them -- they're pretty intense.

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Hi all, I know I'm late but I am also interested in being a nutritionist. I just got my RN license this October but I have always been interested in nutrition, even before starting nursing school. If any of you could provide further information, that would be greatly appreciated. Like maybe being able to utilize both my RN skills and applying nutrition in the hospital setting?

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Hey all, I am interested in the same thing--currently researching accelerated 2nd degree programs to get my BSN. I am curious what kind of jobs/degrees you all ended up pursuing? Thanks!! =)

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Home health.

Hi! I know this is an old thread, but I was wondering what you all ended up doing, and did you find a way to integrate nursing and nutrition? I've been an RN for 2 years in home health, and can't find a job anywhere else. I'm very bored at my job and have a strong interest in nutrition. I've been seriously contemplating going back to school to get my RD. I'd really like to know how things turned out for you. and if you have any advice? thanks!

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