Home Economists Food Service Managers Nurses and health educators often provide services related to those of community dietitians. MENU Nature of Work Working Conditions Employment Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement Job Outlook Earnings Resources Nature of the Work Dietitians and nutritionists plan nutrition programs and supervise the preparation and serving of meals. They help prevent and treat illnesses by promoting healthy eating habits. They scientifically evaluate a client's diet and suggest modifications such as cutting back on salt for those with high blood pressure or reducing fat and sugar intake for overweight persons. Dietitians run food service systems for institutions such as hospitals and schools and promote sound eating habits through education and research.
Dietitians also work as educators and researchers.
Clinical dietitians provide nutritional services for patients in institutions such as hospitals and nursing homes. They assess a patient's nutritional needs, develop and implement a nutrition program, and evaluate and report the results. They also confer with doctors and other health care professionals in order to coordinate medical and nutritional needs. Some clinical dietitians specialize in the management of obese patients, care of the critically ill, or care of renal and diabetic patients. In addition, clinical dietitians in nursing homes or small hospitals may also run the food service department.