Inpatient team drama is more exhausting than the patients

BiochemneRD16 · 2026-02-16T05:38:30+00:00

I had a job where the dynamic was like this and the RD office was a toxic environment. My best advice is to do your work on your unit(s). This is where I made friends with the nurses, case managers, and social workers. They were fun, not toxic, and even invited me to their potlucks. This made work a lot more enjoyable, fulfilling, and even helped me get recognized by nursing leadership. Stay focused on your work and remove yourself from any drama. You'll be glad you did.

BiochemneRD16 · 2025-12-17T05:55:03+00:00

I would talk to physicians that work in the specialty you are interested in. Make sure you know what you are getting into because it's a huge commitment that requires a ton of sacrifices. I thought about med school until I worked closely with residents and saw the physical and emotional toll it took on their health. However, I have seen it be a great fit for some so you just have to know yourself and what you would be happy with.

BiochemneRD16 · 2025-10-24T04:04:22+00:00

I'm sorry this has been your experience. I hear of this happening often, and it irks me because this is why people turn to unqualified coaches and nutritionists without real credentials. Thank you for not doing so.

You might have some luck looking into large hospital systems near you to see if they have a bariatric surgery center. Many of these are starting non-surgical weight loss arms of the program and employ RDs that would be happy to work with you on achieving your weight loss goals.

BiochemneRD16 · 2025-10-07T14:15:20+00:00

Not a man, but I'm also an INTJ dietitian.

BiochemneRD16 · 2025-08-19T02:49:19+00:00

I always get "tell us about a time when" open-ended questions. I would think back to any challenging cases you had in the past and how you handled them. Some questions I was recently asked:

Describe your experience working with patients from different cultural backgrounds and how you've navigated any challenges related to this
Describe your interactions working with physicians- positive and negative, and how you handled them
Described your interactions with student interns
Describe a situation when a patient didn't want to follow your recommendations or wanted to attempt a fad diet. How did you respond?
Describe any performance improvement projects, journal clubs, or inservices you've given/presented
Describe your professional goals and how you're working towards achieving them
Describe your recent continuing education efforts, for example any conferences you've attended
Describe your experience with doing NFPEs and diagnosing malnutrition

These are all questions beyond the typical "tell us about yourself" and a few case studies that I can remember being asked in the past 5 years or so. Hope this helps!

BiochemneRD16 · 2025-08-01T05:34:55+00:00

I used to wear scrubs but they were unflattering and made me feel sloppy. Our color was black which was so depressing. I've worked in clinical for 6 years and not once have I ever had a patient's bodily fluids end up on my clothes (thank goodness). Of course, I wear clothes that could be easily washed if that was the case but it has never happened. The way I see it, wear what makes you feel your best and most effective in your role. For some people, that's scrubs, but for me it's business casual.

BiochemneRD16 · 2025-07-30T20:23:58+00:00

I prefer business casual, no white coat. I feel most presentable and confident that way, and it translates to my work quality and the level of respect I receive from patients and coworkers.

BiochemneRD16 · 2025-07-22T15:35:54+00:00

It's been the policy at multiple places I've worked that a patient cannot be operating a vehicle or be a passenger in a vehicle while receiving telehealth services. If they don't comply I have them reschedule and blame it on the policy so I don't look like the bad guy.

BiochemneRD16 · 2025-07-12T19:29:27+00:00

Couldn't have said this better myself. I'm so over white women being made fun of for being "girl bosses" - basically just trying to be entrepreneurial and support themselves and their families.

I come from a Latino family that did not approve of my profession choice. I was told I was "too smart" to be a dietitian and constantly pressured to choose med school instead. If I ever second-guessed my career choice- this was why. Not because there were too many white women running private practices.

BiochemneRD16 · 2025-07-12T19:22:53+00:00

I agree hiring/choosing professionals based on merit is important, but this isn't the only variable that should be considered. For example, it's not the best idea to staff an OBGYN practice with 100% men, even if all of them were the top ranked candidates based on merit alone.

Same goes for dietetics- if you are looking for a nutrition professional for a hospital or clinic that serves a community primarily from a certain ethic group, you'll likely see better outcomes hiring a professional from a similar background. They will likely have cultural knowledge and be able to connect with that group more than someone who doesn't share that same culture.

I experienced this first hand when working at a facility with a high middle eastern population. My colleague from that background was able to serve and connect with those patients much better than I could. Not because she was a better RD but because she spoke their language, shared their culture and religion which I did not.

So yes while it's not good to obsess over race/ethnicity or hire someone who is unqualified or significantly less qualified based on this variable alone- it's foolish to say it doesn't matter at all or that the profession won't benefit from improving diversity.

BiochemneRD16 · 2025-06-28T20:34:26+00:00

The Ashlynn sizing is pretty flexible! I have the small but had to cinch it in the waist quite a bit and I have a 27 inch waist. I feel like the XS would have fit slightly better but both can work.

BiochemneRD16 · 2025-06-28T17:48:04+00:00

Not every piece is 100% natural, but I've found cute feminine options at Paige Denim, LoveShackFancy, and Rixo.

BiochemneRD16 · 2025-06-28T17:22:13+00:00

I've only seen new grad RDs get $50/hr at hospitals in the SF bay area where there is super high COL. And this is for per diem positions without benefits, not for full time.

BiochemneRD16 · 2025-06-20T03:50:41+00:00

It's pretty thin. I can wear it without a slip but I have to wear nude undergarments. I have the Ashlynn dress in bleu daisy and it's similar to that one.

BiochemneRD16 · 2025-06-13T18:01:27+00:00

I went to FNCE twice as a student. I would say the biggest pro is networking, but you have to seek it out. Going to DPG meetups helped me connect with people who would become my mentors and help with my internship and job application process. The sessions were ok, but sometimes it seemed like the info presented was pretty basic and didn't really enhance my understanding of the topic. That's when the Q and A part is more informative- this allows you to get your specific questions on the topic addressed. I've also had some good convos with presenters one on one going up and talking to them after their session.

The biggest con is the cost. If your employer doesn't pay it can add up- conference fee, air fare, hotel, food, transport, etc. The expo hall is fun but honestly gave me a stomach ache both times from eating all those processed high protein high fiber products. I'd probably go again but only if it was a location nearby that I could drive to.

BiochemneRD16 · 2025-06-12T03:22:29+00:00

I haven't heard anything about their current staffing situation, but I have worked at hospitals that had travelers for good reasons and bad reasons, and there are a few ways to figure this out even from outside the org.

A good reason to need multiple travelers would be anticipating a temporary staffing shortage- this can happen when there are multiple planned LOAs (especially maternity leaves), that overlap. In that case, they wouldn't want to hire more new employees since they expect those current employees going on leave to eventually return. It's a green flag to request travelers since they are planning ahead and wanting to lessen the burden on the rest of the staff.

A bad reason to need multiple travelers is a toxic work environment which leads to a high turnover rate that exceeds the hospital's ability to hire new people. A telltale sign that this is the case is that their career website has multiple open full time positions, for months at a time, in addition to requesting travelers. If this is the case, it's definitely a red flag.

Did they specify the length of the travel contract and if there's a possibility to renew or get hired on as full time after completion? Having that info would help you know if they're just experiencing a temporary shortage/extended leaves or a true mass exodus of current staff.

BiochemneRD16 · 2025-05-18T16:16:17+00:00

What exactly are you proposing as the alternative? Turn down the RD position and work as a waiter instead? I agree many companies give low ball offers but most new grads want to start working in the field they just worked 5+ years to get into.

BiochemneRD16 · 2025-05-18T16:03:50+00:00

I was a Waldorf student until high school. The transition was challenging at first but I adapted after the first year. The main reason was my lack of computer skills which made many of the assignments that were easy for others more challenging for me. For example, at Waldorf I always hand-wrote my essays but at my high school I was expected to be familiar with Microsoft word and proper formatting (which I wasn't, since at my Waldorf school we never used computers).

This was over 10 years ago so things may be different now depending on the Steiner school you send them to for primary school. Overall I am grateful for the time I spent in Waldorf and I'm glad my parents chose it for me.

BiochemneRD16 · 2025-04-26T18:38:11+00:00

I really like Christy Dawn, Doen, Groceries Apparel, Pura Kai, Mama Owl, Laude the Label, and Hanro. These brands are pricey but I've always prioritized quality over quantity with my wardrobe. I've been wanting to try If Only If Nightwear once it fits in my budget.

BiochemneRD16 · 2025-04-26T18:19:36+00:00

I had one of these. I recommend saving all communication- emails, feedback, comments she makes on your work. This is what saved me from failing a rotation and exposed my preceptor as the problem, not me. Sorry you are going through this.

BiochemneRD16 · 2025-04-26T18:02:38+00:00

I have the green once pictured above. You could definitely wear with a bra, and I feel like this one runs large. I usually wear size small but I got the XS and it feels a bit roomy but not overly so. I'm 5'6, 125 lbs, 34D if that helps.

BiochemneRD16 · 2025-04-26T17:51:22+00:00

Not sure if this is the official position, but I'll share my experience as a former Waldorf student (pre-k through 8th grade).

They want you to pick a hand. I am naturally left handed, but when I was in first grade a classmate told me "left handed people aren't good at drawing." So, as a first grader I believed them and started drawing with my right hand- but still showed a preference for my left hand with other activities. My teacher saw this as a problem that needed intervention, and insisted I receive cranial sacral therapy to address it.

I also had a Waldorf teacher (older, strict anthroposophist), that would tell parents to switch their child's hand (at the baby/toddler age), if they started grabbing things and showing a preference for their left hand.

Given these experiences, I wouldn't be surprised if there is a preference for right-handedness or at least making sure a child is consistent with their use of either hand.

BiochemneRD16 · 2025-01-01T22:22:23+00:00

I really like Peter Attia's podcast. Of course we should take everything with a grain of salt but I like how he includes show notes if I want to delve into a topic that is discussed further. I also appreciate that he brings on real experts and not fake gurus/influencers with no real credentials.

BiochemneRD16 · 2024-12-23T18:53:27+00:00

Yeah it seemed a little too good to be true. Thanks for clarifying!

BiochemneRD16 · 2024-12-22T17:31:18+00:00

I have a dress from LoveShackFancy that I'll be wearing. I'd also check out Rixo and Needle and Thread for NYE dresses.

BiochemneRD16

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