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My last day working in the hospital as a Clinical R.D.!! Let's Celebrate & learn about what a Registered Dietitian actually is!

Writer's picture: JessicaJessica

After nearly 10 years working in a clinical setting, I am officially putting that chapter on hold while I focus more on Baby Food & Fun, Enderle Designs, and most importantly, YOU!

Let's take a quick look at the journey it takes to become a Registered Dietitian and the difference between an R.D. and a Nutritionist! (*hint = biggg difference)


For starters, there are no 'requirements' to become a Nutritionist. It is not a regulated term. A nutritionist could have studied nutrition for 17 years or for 17 minutes before obtaining their 'certificate'. In fact, you don't have to actually study nutrition at all to be a nutritionist! If you know (or THINK you know) ANYTHING about nutrition - you can call yourself a nutritionist! This means my 7 year old daughter could consider herself a nutritionist - she knows a few bare basics.. such as 'milk helps our bones grow strong!' or that breastmilk is amazing to feed babies (yep, she knows about breastfeeding!).


I'm not sure I'd turn to her for nutrition advice or education though...


THAT is what a nutritionist is.



 

Alright, since I'm on my high horse here talking about being credentialed - what does it take to become a Registered Dietitian anyways??


I thought it might be fun to share the requirements via my personal journey! Let's take a look at what all went into becoming the R.D. that I am today!


  • Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university

    • Undergrad programs cover a wide range of courses and topics from anatomy, chemistry, basic nutrition, medical terminology, advanced nutrition.. to foodservice management, culinary, leadership types, business.. to public health, public speaking, stats, food science, and more nutrition. + lots and lots more...!

    • I completed my Bachelor's of Science in Nutrition from the University of Cincinnati in 2013! - GO BEARCATS!!

University of Cincinnati Graduation 2013 with one of my best friends! RD2B


  • **NEW REQUIREMENT!* - As of 2024, all who want to be eligible to take the R.D. exam must complete their Master's Degree!

    • Since I have been working in the field for over 10 years now (including internship), I am considered to be 'grandfathered in'. TBH- there has been long debate in our field regarding how "worthwhile" a M.S. is in comparison to what most R.D.'s make in salary. Butttt that debate is no longer a debate as this requirement takes hold this year!

    • When I started at my first job out of internship, I had a pretty legit chat with my new coworker who did have her Master's Degree. At the time, she made $2/hour more than I did. My first job, no Masters. *The math ain't mathing.... I would come to find that this is often the case.. well, everywhere...

    • I think it's fair to say that majority of R.D.'s are very curious how this transition will shake out in all reality. Not saying it is a wrong or poor idea/transition - there are just some major gaps exposed for sure (I mean..healthcare right now as it is lol.)




  • Internship Completion - Complete Supervised Practice

    • Must complete at least 1,000 hours of supervised practice to gain real-world experience

    • Internships vary by what they offer! Some focus more in clinical while others focus more in foodservice management or public health. All internships expose ALL 3 main pillars in dietetics though!

      • Clinical - hospitals, outpatient clinics, dialysis centers, oncology treatment, medical nutrition therapy, etc.

      • Foodservice - management, business -literally run a foodservice department!, catering, culinary, grocery stores, etc.

      • Public Health - WIC, public assistance programs, Food Banks, government programs/education programs, etc.

    • You have to be matched to an internship program!

      • This has shifted over time, but this used to be the most difficult part!! In 2013, when I was applying for internships, there was ~50% match rate. That means that half of those who apply, don't match to their requested internship..! (*Mind blown & scared AF. I didn't have a back up plan)

        • Check out this Post from Build Up RDN's on the topic! - They share some pretty interesting stats on the topic of internship + some of the trends we are seeing in the Dietetics field overall.



      • I personally had a leg up luckily! My family had recently relocated to San Antonio, TX from Ohio. This opened the doors for me to feel comfortable to apply to internships in Ohio as well as Texas! I was matched with the University of Incarnate Word in San Antonio, TX! I spent August 2013-May 2014 completing internship!

        • I had a really well rounded program with fairly equal parts to all 3 pillars! Here are a few specifics from my internship time!

          • Clinical Experience: 6 weeks in general clinical at Christus Santa Rosa Westover Hills, 2 weeks at the V.A., 2 weeks at a Dialysis clinic, 2 or 3 weeks in a nursing home, 2 weeks in outpatient / weight management...

          • Foodservice Management: 6 weeks managing the foodservice department at Northeast Baptist Hospital, School district, grocery store (H-E-B for the win!)

          • Public Health/Community: WIC, San Antonio Food Bank, Sisters Of Hope - local assistance program in San Antonio that provides education, food/meals, options for childcare, and more!

University of Incarnate Word Nutrition Internship Graduation and White Coat Ceremony 2014 | RD2B

  • Pass R.D. Exam

    • Once you complete internship successfully, you are eligible to sit for the R.D. exam!

      • The exam is given at a national level and focuses on four domains: Principles of Dietetics (21%); Nutrition Care for Individuals and Groups (45%); Management of Food and Nutrition Programs and Services (21%); and Foodservice Systems (13%).

      • Each candidate will be given a minimum of one hundred and twenty-five (125) questions; one hundred (100) scored questions and twenty-five (25) pretest questions. The maximum number of questions possible is one hundred and forty-five (145); one hundred and twenty (120) scored questions and twenty-five (25) unscored pretest questions

      • Starting March 15th, an additional 30 minutes is being added to the test time for all candidates. This means the test duration will increase from 2.5 to 3 hours.

      • If you pass the exam - Congrats!! You are now an R.D.!!

      • If not - don't fret. You can try again! Attempts to take the exam are limitless, but there are stipulations, timeframes, and fees that must be adhered to.

I passed the R.D. exam!! I am a Registered Dietitian! + wonderful people who helped me along the way!


  • You are a Registered Dietitian!!! Now What?!

    • Obtain state licensure - requirements and process varies by state. a few states don't have specific state licensure while others have strict requirements.

    • Maintain R.D. - 75 CEU credits / 5 year period - R.D.'s are required to continue their education about nutrition! This field is ever-changing and R.D.'s are always learning!

    • Maintain L.D. - state licensure requirements for maintenance vary as well

    • Have a great career!! The options are endless!!




As I mentioned, I've spent majority of my career working in acute-care hospitals and clinical care. I discovered my passion for critical care early on. I've always been especially drawn to alternative feeding in this way, formula feeding via tube feeds and IV nutrition (TPN). It is incredibly rewarding to be able to help provide nutrition to a patient who would otherwise be unable to obtain any.


I started my career at Guadalupe Regional Medical Center (GRMC) in Seguin, TX. This ~100-120 bed hospital (at the time) was a perfect starting place for me! I was able to cover critical care, general med/surgery, and an inpatient rehab unit. I LOVED this place! I eventually found my way to Metropolitan Methodist Hospital, where I covered a telemetry (heart monitoring), inpatient rehab, and NICU unit. I grew so much during these years in my career, and I couldn't even imagine the bricks I was setting down for the future!


At the beginning of 2020, we moved back to Ohio which meant I had to change locations as well. I joined the team at TriHealth on the very day that Ohio initiated the mandatory lockdowns in COVID-19 (March 16, 2020 - a day etched in my memory for all time). I've worked PRN since, often covering for my coworkers PTO and days off. I float and cover essentially all positions from orthopedic surgery, behavioral health, maternity, to critical care, open heart, neurosurgery, etc. I'm going to miss working certain units and of course I will miss my coworkers, but this next step is going to be a great one!

Clinical Registered Dietitian in Hospital | R.D.











After a little over 4 years, my last day with TriHealth is complete! If I’m being honest, it’s feeling pretty bittersweet. I’ve met & worked with some of the most incredible RD’s, many who have become some of my best friends!. I am so grateful for everything I’ve encountered these last 4 years, and it’s safe to say, my time with TriHealth wouldn’t have been nearly as amazing without these coworkers of mine 🙌🏼😘

& after ~10 years working in clinical/hospital settings.. well, I don’t think it’s actually hit me that I won’t be covering weekends and critical care and all the things.. 🤯


But, I’m SO excited for this next chapter!! 🥳🙌🏼


I’ll be shifting my focus to Baby Food & Fun + helping with Enderle Designs solely so make sure you’re following along!! 👏🏼🤩.

It’s about to get real fun now!!




 

❤❤

Thank you for your support and love in this space! It means more to me than you will ever know.

I truly enjoy sharing this information and I hope you find the information provided valuable. If you do find this information helpful, I kindly ask that you consider sharing - via social media, word of mouth, email, etc. I would love to help support as many out there as I can! <3

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Thank you again for giving Baby Food & Fun, LLC a place to grow and flourish, just like our kids :)

Jessica Enderle, R.D., L.D.

Enderle Family Photo | R.D. | Motherhood











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