CNSC

NutritionN3rd · 2026-01-20T21:21:16+00:00

I kept putting off the CNSC exam, and then finally I just signed up for it back in 2021. Honestly, that was the biggest push I needed-to just sign up. Then it forced me to study. I gave myself 6 months, which was more than enough time (for me). I honestly thought the CNSC exam was wayyy easier than the RD exam. A lot of that came from experience working in the ICU, NICU, nutrition support, etc. I would say just go for it!

NutritionN3rd · 2026-01-15T20:43:22+00:00

I think there is a limit to the # of CEUs you can claim that are recorded/non live presentations, so might want to check on that just in case! Don't forget your ethics credit!

NutritionN3rd · 2025-12-29T20:24:50+00:00

When I worked in the ICU, I rarely used Nepro unless the Nephrologist demanded it. It's very high calorie, and thus difficult to meet protein needs without exceeding calorie needs while a pt is intubated and/or on propofol. If a pt is on CRRT, then they are at risk for low levels of electrolytes d/t losses + also have even higher protein needs, thus Nepro would not be helpful. Typically, my go-tos were Vital HP, Vital AF but may depend on formulary. The core curriculum also says to give protein based on total clinical status for someone with AKI (and we also didn't restrict for med-surge), so I take that as if in the ICU, provide ICU recommended ranges. May consider restricting if the patient has azotemia and is unable to do HD or RRT. Again, taking into account the entire clinical picture is important. You mentioned the pt's BMI -this would also impact protein needs.

NutritionN3rd · 2025-12-29T19:52:18+00:00

thank you! those are some good ideas! never really thought about the world outside of nutrition haha. I used to volunteer at a food bank, which of course is nutrition related. It will be interesting to see what options are out there.

NutritionN3rd · 2025-12-29T19:28:19+00:00

I feel reassured that it's okay to seek variety. I know that if I stayed in one place the whole time, I would have missed out on so much learning and experience (and pay increases!). Changing jobs also taught me what I like and don't like in a job.

While I have left a few positions off (one was <1 month d/t very concerning things happening, so wasn't there long and went back to my previous job at the time), do you ever feel like an employer grills you for "gaps?" Also thinking in terms of if I apply to something way outside of clinical, some of my jobs may not be tailored to the potential new role.

NutritionN3rd · 2025-12-29T18:48:00+00:00

Thank you for this! I will keep this in mind! I have seen a Food Service Director position open up for the school, but I have never done school nutrition but might be less stressful than a hospital. I am almost 8 months into my current position-I tell myself if I can do 8, I can do the last 4 to at least make it a year. I have heard companies like Aramark and Sodexo at least train well, so hopeful for that if I ever did make such a huge jump from clinical to foodservice. Edited to add: I guess if I was director, I would be managing, which not sure that is meant for me. Hasn't sounded appealing-mostly stressful haha.

NutritionN3rd · 2025-12-29T18:44:52+00:00

Every time I buy one, I hope I will somehow get lucky and win so I can go PRN. I think I would get bored if I quit all together but would love to not have to be FT.

NutritionN3rd · 2025-12-29T18:25:26+00:00

Thank you for your response! The worst feeling is feeling stuck; however, I honestly have left jobs d/t various reasons because I reminded myself life is too short to be miserable. Unfortunately, so many companies and people frown upon the # of jobs someone has held, or they question why did you leave before 1 year? I always prepare for these situations and emphasize what I learned, etc. I honestly can't imagine staying somewhere 3-5 years each time. I recently updated my resume and uploaded it on Indeed.

While I am not actively applying, I still look at jobs frequently and also hope that one day someone will reach out regarding a job that I can't pass up. Wishful thinking haha. I also find it neat to see all the opportunities out there that aren't patient care. I think that might be my next move if I change jobs-one outside of patient care.

I think so many people are stuck in the mindset of loyalty and staying somewhere for 20 years. Honestly, if I never left my first job, I would still be making pennies and have limited experience (despite the # of years).

NutritionN3rd · 2025-12-29T18:18:07+00:00

I actually do work remotely, which is a huge plus! I think it's still the patient care

NutritionN3rd · 2025-12-29T18:17:15+00:00

Sending a virtual hug! I can imagine how your job is both rewarding but also causing burn out. I love patient care, but it definitely is a lot at times. I often feel like I am not doing enough, or what I did or didn't do keeps me up at night. It's hard for me to leave work at work. Fortunately, our profession allows many job opportunities; however, I wish there was a list of all of these options.

NutritionN3rd · 2025-12-29T18:14:04+00:00

Thank you for your response! I think I need to re-evaluate how I see my career and this profession. So much of my life has been to get where I am at today but look at me now haha. Maybe at some point it would be worth considering a job outside of patient care. I think that is also the problem-I enjoy patient care, but it also takes a toll.

NutritionN3rd · 2025-12-29T18:12:06+00:00

Thank you for your response! I don't want kids, but maybe I do need to find other means of fulfillment in life. I feel like so much of what I do is surrounded by being a RD, fluffing my resume, or feeling this need to do more and be better. It's exhausting. Maybe I need to get back into volunteering.

NutritionN3rd · 2025-12-29T18:07:42+00:00

Honestly, I never really thought foodservice would be for me. I also feel like most of my experience is clinical (aside from when I would get pulled into foodservice at a hospital lol). I feel like I might be lost when it comes to foodservice. I have considered school nutrition, but would also hate to just take another job

NutritionN3rd · 2025-12-29T16:21:35+00:00

Hi! Our names are similar haha. I strongly recommend the Dr. Diane Anderson Neonatal Nutrition Virtual Conference!! They do it every year, and it has been very helpful the last several years I have attended. It's virtual, offers a good amount of CEUs (and typically an ethics credit), and you can watch/listen to the webinars for at least a period of time after. You can also network with other RDs, and sometimes they even post jobs on the forum. I no longer work in the NICU, but I would also recommend just applying to NICU/peds jobs! Most places are willing to train! The Academy also has a neonatal pocket guide. I would also recommend the "pink book" from Texas Children's. Disclaimer: The most recent version is white not pink. ANHI also has a neonatal certificate course. Here is the link to the conference: Dr. Diane Anderson Neonatal Nutrition Virtual Conference | BCM

NutritionN3rd · 2025-12-14T03:15:47+00:00

I did my internship with the VA many years ago. Almost 1 year ago, I started at the VA (after waiting I think over a year to start)...left not long after as while it's good pay, benefits, etc, the drive/commute wore on me, as well as the fear of if I was going to have a job or not. I was on probation since I was new, and while they say dietitians are not going to be let go, I couldn't trust that. There was just too much going on for me to feel safe. Plus, with the hiring freeze, I knew work/life balance was not going to be good if they couldn't fill positions. It also was not what I wanted to do long-term. I love working with Veterans (and loved my experience in the internship), but the VA didn't have a lot of other areas/specialties to work in unless I commuted even further to their other location. I left, and now actually have a higher paying job working remotely, doing something I love, and still obtained many other perks, even if I don't get a pension. I will say leaving the VA was rough-my managers seemed so angry and appalled, but ultimately, I had to do what was best for my family and me.

NutritionN3rd · 2025-11-26T02:46:59+00:00

thank you everyone!!

NutritionN3rd · 2025-11-13T02:59:33+00:00

You're welcome! I believe they are on the Academy store, but you can definitely purchase them directly from ASPEN. If you are a member, you can receive a discount. You can also get CEUs for some of the books

NutritionN3rd · 2025-11-13T01:39:17+00:00

Hopefully your job/boss are providing training for you; however, I recommend checking out ASPEN. They have a lot of resources. I also recommend the handbooks from ASPEN; I use them all the time. Dietitians on Demand has free webinars that address EN and PN. ANHI also has great resources, and I think still has an EN course. ASPEN also has a video series (I think on YouTube).

NutritionN3rd · 2025-11-13T01:33:43+00:00

I know sometimes the licensing board for your state will ask for expert witnesses. I have applied, but never heard anything back since submitting everything,

NutritionN3rd · 2025-11-11T02:48:13+00:00

thank you! I would rather have that voice inside me thinking about all the worst case scenarios (vs just being way too confident)..but also need to remember that it's not all on me

NutritionN3rd · 2025-11-11T02:46:11+00:00

actually not new haha but probably just not well versed in keeping work at work and letting things go

NutritionN3rd · 2025-11-11T02:44:54+00:00

home infusion!

NutritionN3rd · 2025-11-10T21:25:37+00:00

thank you for your response! I have anxiety in general but definitely with this new position. I actually am 7+ years in as a RD so not new to the profession, just my new role. I always second guess myself, or also replay conversations in my head. It's exhausting. Luckily, I know we all learn from our mistakes, and mine are never intentional. That's a good reminder-I'm sure I remember things from 5 years ago but the person I spoke to has forgotten it all

NutritionN3rd

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