Dietician/Nutritionist: Clinical Registered Dietitian

Introduction
1. Know your stuff! It is essential to keep up with current medical science and what the recommendations are for specific conditions. Your nutritional recommendations will have to change as a result. Get in to see operations, speak with surgeons/doctors, and go to as many continuing education classes you can.
2. The hosptial isn't the easiest place to work. However, you will learn more in a clinical hospital setting than you will as a private practice RD. The first two years, at least, of your carerr, should be in the clinical setting.
3. Don't be afraid to speak up for changes within the hospital heirarchy! If you want to be a more autonomous RD, you must gain the respect of your colleagues.

Job Function
Best:
1. Seeing the patient benefit both physically and emotionally from your recommendations.
2. The constant intermingling between specialties (doctors, nurses, therapists). This is how you learn!
3. Routine. I enjoy knowing that I will have 10 patients to see each day and no more.
Worst:
1. Doctors rarely follow your recommendations if you don't gain respect.
2. Again, hospitals aren't the most enjoyable place to work at times.
3. PAY IS HORRENDOUS. Lifestyle
1. Quality of life with this position is incredible. Usually you get 4 weeks paid vacation, never work more than 40 hours per week, and is very condusive to raising a family.
2. You need to be able to take constant evaluation from a program director on how to improve your performance. The RD needs to continually keep up with current information, as mentioned before. The director wants to see that this new knowledge is being put to use.

Additional Information
The field of nutrition and dietetics is a rapidly growing field. Get in while you can, because buisness is booming!