To Do List for RDs to Be

I was honored to be the guest speaker at the 33rd annual Dietetic Internship Graduation at WVU Medicine.  Here is my presentation:

The presentation was based on a book I made for my son when he graduated high school.  The book was a list of things I hoped he'd do in his adult life.  For the interns, families and dietitians, I related that list to our profession.

 

Here are my 15 pieces of advice for “future RDNs”.

Keep growing.

Some will find the perfect job right away that matches their skills; some won’t. If you’re in the latter group, don’t get discouraged. Stay with the “not so perfect job for a while and work at it.

Read, Write, Participate, Attend

The Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics publishes the research of your colleagues. Food and Nutrition Magazine provides practical solutions to the research. The editors at both publications are engaging and accessible and want to hear from you.Attend conferences to hear how that research is being used.

Make a Meal

Make a meal from scratch using healthy ingredients. Learn practical solutions you can pass onto your clients.

Empower Others 

By participating in community events, you show support for those people who also work to improve the health of others.

Think About the Laws

Express your views with state legislators. Support the Academy’s public policy work. This is what made state licensure and medical nutrition therapy laws possible, creating jobs and revenue for the RDN.

Get Fresh Air 

Take a break and go outside when you can. On weekends, pack a picnic and headboard nearby park.

Be There to Care

Come to work feeling inspired and give your best.

Remember This “First the Root Goes Down,Then the Plant Comes Up”.

Make yourself a good example. Walk the walk and talk the talk in preventing disease by eating and serving nutrient-dense foods.

Know Your Heritage 

The year 2017 marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Academy of the Nutrition and Dietetics.  Our profession is a crucial component in health care.

Laugh Every Chance You Get 

When you make mistakes, laugh at yourself!

Respect the Environment 

Buy local, prevent waste, live within your means, and support your work cafe.

Leave Work Behind 

Find a creative outlet where you can focus on something other than work’s worries. Try to carve out 30 minutes to yourself each day to recharge.

Make Others Feel Special 

Don’t forget to thank everyone who works to support our mission.

Help and Connect

Donate foods that you can’t use on your menus to hunger groups.

Be the Best You Can Within Your Style and Gifts

What matters in the long run is sticking with it and having the resilience to get back up when you get knocked down.