RN to RD. What do you think?

Nurses General Nursing

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Stepdown, Vascular ICU.

Hello all. Here to get some advice from my nursing professionals out there. I've been an inpatient bedside nurse for almost 2 years now and I'm feeling a pull to change directions in my career. I love the rewards of my career and am grateful for the impact I have in my patient care delivery, however, lately I've been feeling clinical nursing isn't where my heart is. Shift after shift I feel this is not where I want to be 10 years, 5 years, or even 2 years in the future. My true interest lies in health, wellness, nutrition and fitness and my passion and love is food (culinary arts). I've been thinking about this constantly lately and feel now is the time to make some decisions. On the other hand, I've only been a nurse for 1.5 years now and I feel there is still so much to learn in what I'm doing now. I keep telling myself to give it more time but my heart is saying time is up! I truly believe in a situation like this, my intuition is really kicking in. With all that said, I was thinking I could become a Registered Dietician, study nutrients and nutrition then eventually apply my science background into my next career as a culinary artist! What do you all think? Any comments, tips, experiences, etc. is greatly appreciated and much needed!

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Specializes in Med/Surg, ICU, educator.

I say follow your heart. You can always keep the nursing license active just in case!

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Specializes in ER.

I agree with PP- follow your heart and go for it! I've been a bedside nurse for 2 years as well and I can't picture myself here in another 4 or 5 years. I love my patients- I just don't like everything that goes with it so I am going back for another degree. I plan to keep my RN license active also.

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Specializes in Cardiac Telemetry, ED.

Agree with the above.

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Specializes in HEMS 6 years.

Agree with the others; keep your license active. I would also advise you not to forget your nursing roots. They will serve you well as an RD. Good luck to you.

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Specializes in LTC Family Practice.

Have you thought about going the Holistic Nurse route? You could meld your love of nursing and nutrition.

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GO FOR IT!!! DO WHAT YOUR HEART TELLS YOU! Life is just tooooo short!!

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If that's what you really want to do, go for it! Are you able to speak to an RD in an area you are interested in to get a real idea of what their job is like?

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I think it is a great idea. Do something you are going to enjoy. I am going back to school too, for a different degree. Nursing is just not the same as it used to be. The more you ponder, the more time is wasted that you could have put toward your NEW degree. Good Luck to you!

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As another noted, can you find some RDs to talk to find out the realities of the job market (opportunities, pay, growth potential) as well as if the curriculum is really addressing what you want? Would just being an RD open up immediate opportunities or would you need to invest another several years in an entry-level dietitian job before being marketable as a dietitian?

There may theoretically be many interesting ways to combine your interests & education, but what is the realistic probability that you can make that happen? It may involve a risk-taking, highly motivated entrepreneurial spirit to get a less conventional career under way.

There also may be other ways than going to RD school that could combine your interests and allow you to build the kind of knowledge and skills base you want. Perhaps becoming involved with some kind of educational/ nutrition/wellness program voluntarily could allow you greater insight as well as networking potential. And from there, see what you'd need to do to move in a direction that interests you.

Best wishes in your pursuits!

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I so hear you HURN, I became interested in nutrition/ diabetes education while practicing as a RDH (dental hygienist). Watching the deterioration of my diabetic patients was disheartening. The current status quo doesnt have a provision for non RN's or RD's as diabetes educators. I am actively transitioning from dental hygiene to RN with the goal of becoming a Diabetes Educator. ( am currently teaching health care skills during the transition, and volunteering @ both a free clinic and hospital in diabetes/community education. The previous posters have offered you a lot of encouragement, go for it!

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