A typical place of employment for a nurse nutritionist is at a hospital or clinic. They may be required to stand for lengthy periods or perform late shifts, as is common in nursing. When interacting with patients and other care team members, they may work in an office or a different clinical location. Depending on the setting and the duties assigned, a nurse nutritionist's workplace may take various forms.
Get Your Diploma
Since nearly all nurse nutritionist positions require at least a bachelor's degree and related certifications, you'll likely need to finish your high school education or its equivalent before applying. Try to take advantage of any chances for in-person training or experience in specialized healthcare in a medical setting. Investigate nursing schools online and offline options for completing essential courses and examinations if you need an alternate certificate. Try to look into any college or university programs that catch your attention to determine what credentials you might need to apply. Additionally, if you're considering advancing your career even further, exploring the possibility of obtaining a medical degree could open doors to broader healthcare opportunities, allowing you to contribute to patient care in a more comprehensive and impactful way.
Enroll in Nursing School
Find out if any colleges or universities offer degrees with a nutrition science or nursing specialization. If you want to work in a specific nursing field, you should have a credential that reflects that. Discuss your goals for additional education as a nurse nutritionist with a respected professional.
Seek Out Beginner-Level Employment
When searching for a position as an entry-level nurse or a nurse specializing in nutrition, it would be wise to consider possibilities at home and abroad if you can. You’ll want your resume and cover letter to survive the automated applicant tracking system before being read by a human. In this case, each resume you send out should be tailored to a different position using language directly from the advertisement.
Research the Licensing Standards in Your State
Different states have varying standards for certification and licensure of dietitians. To practice as a nutritionist lawfully, certification is required in some but not all states. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Commission on Dietetic Registration maintains a database of states that do not mandate nutritionists to be certified, licensed, or regulated by their respective governments. Learn the local regulations. Even in states where nutritionist licensing is not required, some businesses would rather have you have a certification.
Obtain Specialized Mentorship
Look for specialized training opportunities during and after college or university that could help you stand out as a candidate for nurse nutritionist positions. You must remain focused and concentrated on your course. Joining a professional group is a good idea because they frequently provide resources and information on these learning opportunities. As a current student or alumnus, familiarize yourself with any training and credentialing possibilities offered by your institution of higher education.
Once you've landed your first job as a nurse or nurse nutritionist, seize any future opportunities for promotion. Look into training programs that could increase your marketability when you apply for new opportunities if you are a nurse in another role and want to transition to nutrition. If they interest you and are appropriate for your situation, you should look for them to advance in your career as a nurse nutritionist.
