Many people think that the main reason for consulting a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) is to discuss a plan for weight management, when in fact, the scope of practice for RDNs is much more expansive. RDNs play a crucial role in almost all areas of life, from community programs, foodservice management, to clinical hospital settings. RDNs are not the “food police,” and as two students in the Nutrition and Dietetics program at UD, we can vouch that RDNs are passionate about creating a balanced, healthy lifestyle that incorporates a love and appreciation for good food and nutrition, without creating excessive restrictions or labeling foods as “good” or “bad.”
During our volunteering with Lori’s Hands, we have been paired with two clients that have two different chronic illnesses- one with stage four pancreatic cancer, and another with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Although these illnesses may not be directly caused by poor nutrition, nutrition and food can be used in addition to treatment to help alleviate the complications that are associated with these illnesses. Since we are not RDNs yet, we are not authorized to give nutrition or medical advice. However, it has been extremely beneficial for us to learn how these illnesses affect the daily lives, food intake, and appetite of people dealing with these chronic illnesses. It is very easy for healthcare professionals to recommend or advise their patients to implement a certain diet or consume a certain amount of calories and nutrients, but if we do not understand the pain or obstacles that our patients are dealing with daily at home, our recommendations will never be successful.
In our profession and other medical professions, it is crucial to consider the entire picture when treating a patient’s illness. We can study the facts and literature and make recommendations for treatment, but in order to be successful and help our patients become healthy, we must consider the home atmosphere, personal life, family, and physical or mental obstacles that may prevent them from getting better.
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Alex Juliano and Nicole Boylan are Nutrition & Dietetics majors at the University of Delaware. They both plan to graduate in 2020.
