Clinical nutritionists can provide nutritional advice to diabetic patients.
Clinical nutritionists are experts in the health industry who regularly advise patients and medical professionals on the nutritious foods necessary for good health. These recommendations are generally based on your analysis of vitamin or mineral deficiencies, disease or disease-related needs, or weight management goals. Nutritionists regularly work in nursing care facilities, correctional institutions, clinics, and hospitals.
Clinical nutritionists often work in hospitals.
After making their recommendations, clinical nutritionists often monitor and analyze the results. Patients with diseases such as diabetes or kidney disease are often the specialty of some nutritionists because their conditions are greatly affected by their diets. Diets designed to correct critical deficiencies in a specific vitamin or mineral are often of particular interest to clinical nutritionists and are often closely watched.
A clinical nutritionist may advise against eating at buffets, which can lead to overeating.
Diet planning and supervising meal preparation in various types of facilities are common duties for clinical nutritionists. Following the guidelines of doctors and other health professionals, nutritionists develop and implement menus based on dietary restrictions, such as low salt or fat intake, or to increase or decrease a patient’s body weight. Sensitivities or allergies to certain substances are important considerations for clinical nutritionists when designing menus.
A clinical nutritionist may be responsible for determining if the formula and tube feeding method are appropriate for a specific patient.
Nutritionists’ ingenuity is often challenged as they typically have to work with foods available on the premises to develop restricted menus and recipes that are appetizing and visually appealing. Other considerations in menu development are the age of the patient and the level of appetite stimulation required. Cultural food preferences and dietary restrictions related to religious dogmas are also common concerns.
A clinical nutritionist can help diabetics choose healthy foods that help control blood glucose levels.
As patients prepare to be discharged, clinical nutritionists traditionally consult with patients and their families on how to follow a prescribed dietary regimen at home. Nutritionists regularly prepare lists of preferred foods, guidelines for optimal preparation methods, and sample menus for reference and guidance. They are usually available to answer questions after patients are discharged.
In addition to regularly communicating with patients, families, and medical staff, clinical nutritionists often supervise food service workers and food preparation and serving staff. They may also conduct research on foods and nutrients. Some clinical nutritionists contribute to formal educational programs for hospital staff and medical students.
Depending on the seniority of clinical nutritionists, they may be required periodically to submit monthly performance reviews of team members. Helping with the scheduling of dietitian interns and clinical nutritionists may be a regular part of your job. They are also expected to assist the department director in reviewing and updating policies and procedures.
A bachelor’s degree in dietetics, human nutrition, nutritional sciences, food and nutrition, or related fields is required for a position as a clinical nutritionist. Licensing requirements vary by region and institution. The years of work experience required vary by employer.