CONSIDERING LONG TERM CARE SIDE-WORK FOR DIETITIANS

Dietitians have a special and unique role within the support of residents in long-term care homes. From quality of life, communication with various departments, including care staff, food service, administration and families, dietitians are uniquely qualified to make an important positive impact in the lives of this population. Additionally, RDs can provide specialized, clinical assessments and play a critical role in monitoring the nutritional care of elderly residents.

RDs working in long term care have traditionally been undervalued and underpaid. However, this is changing as the sector grows and incidences of dementia increase. RDs are becoming more in-demand and sought after.

With many smaller LTC homes solely offering part-time, contract side jobs for RDs, the dietitian is in a good position to take advantage of good career opportunities. For example, RDs can utilize their skills to impact the care of residents, while building their own confidence in a low-barrier-to-entry setting.

These opportunities can especially benefit those RDs who are eventually moving towards self employment, with a goal of more time flexibility and security.

The RD can utilize these part-time, side-gigs as an opportunity to expand their independence, confidence and growth. By adding similar contracts, these side-jobs can become stepping stones on the way to a more potentially rewarding setting and ultimately lead to the building of their own business.

Upon successful completion of this one-hour course, the participant should be able to:

• Understand the benefits of their unique role, as a valued team member in the long-term care home setting.



• Identify the importance of communication with a variety of departments.



• Define why utilizing contract gigs will lead to increasing confidence, independence and raising the rate (and value) of the dietitian within the LTC home.



• Determine why LTC work is a great way to increase additional streams of income, while expanding the impact in your professional career.



• Understand that utilizing small, part-time jobs, can be a stepping stone on the pathway to building your own business (and becoming your own boss).

Live Event Date: Jul 20, 2023

Expiration Date: May 31, 2024

Performance Indicators/Learning Objectives: 1.3.3, 1.5.4, 10.5.2

Target Audience: RDs, DTRs, Health Professionals

Number of Credits: 1.0

Level(s): 1

Total Cost: 1 Site Credit