Registered Dietitian Skills

Improved Essays
Workplace Skills
Abilities of a registered dietitian should include extensive knowledge of nutrition as well as teaching skills to convey how to become a healthier person. A registered dietitian needs to stay up to date on nutrition to ensure that patients will receive the most beneficial care. The information obtained in school and through the internship required to become a registered dietitian plays a role in the knowledge shared to patients. As a dietitian gains experience, it is important to continue to study and learn because patients expect to “stay up-to-date on the latest nutrition information”(Neithercott, 2013). The human body’s chemistry with food and the daily recommended amount of calories are two of the many frequently asked
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In every field of nutrition, a registered dietitian is hired to efficiently and effectively show others how to live healthy. According to Neithercott (2013), “most Americans know they should be eating healthfully---but really don’t know what [it] means...or how to accomplish it.” If a patient comes to a dietitian wanting or needing a way to be healthier, the registered dietitian must convey the information needed to successfully improve that patient’s life. The workplace skills a registered dietitian involve knowledge of nutrition, teaching, and so much more.
Communications Skills
Strong communication skills are needed in a registered dietitian’s job while dealing with patients and coworkers. Communication is important with patients because they must be able to understand and grasp onto to the nutritional information to make a change. Kormos (personal communication, June 9 2015) describes that “being polite and professional…to…patients…is imperative as a dietitian.” These verbal skills can determine a patients fate of continuing down the road towards a healthy life. Goudarzi (personal communication, June 9, 2015) stated that “written
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Every patient has specific needs that dietitian should know about before beginning any treatment. When a registered dietitian is given a patient in a clinical setting, it is important to read that patient’s file to asses what illness or problem to address. Warren (personal communication, June 10, 2015) checks her patient’s charts and menus to make sure everything is correct before the day begins. If there is anything wrong, it is her responsibility to change the issue so the patient will not receive incorrect treatment. A registered dietitian uses the knowledge learned in school to “[solve] nutritional issues that have medical implications” on a daily basis (Endevelt, 2014). After initial assessment of the patient, a registered dietitian meets with them in person to discuss a nutritional plan. Endevelt (2014) describes this appointment as being focused on “educational and informative counseling about nutrition” to allow the patient to understand the treatment being ordered. The registered dietitian will inform the patient about an issue, tell what can be done to solve it, and determine the ultimate goal of improvement. There are many steps to becoming healthier, so it is important that the patient grasps at least some of the information shared at each meeting. It is vital to inspire the patient to follow the rules of nutrition by setting

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