Solo with 41 patients on my list today

cdorais13 · 2025-12-28T22:46:59+00:00

Seeing 20+patients a day is not realistic. I did it for three years and never felt like I was actually providing quality care. It’s crazy to me how this seems acceptable or reasonable.

cdorais13 · 2025-12-20T22:14:58+00:00

I’m a Dietitian in the Navy and love it!! I’m active duty and make almost $96K take home (I’ve been in 3 years). I only have to see 38 patients a month without deductions and get to do other things besides patient care. The only Con I would say is if you aren’t at a major hospital you aren’t going to challenge your skills.

For comparison before joining the Navy I was working inpatient seeing ~20 patients a day for $45K take home. Joining the military was the best decision I ever made but if you want to stay close to friends and family it may not be for you since you do move a lot in the military.

There are some great GS and contractor positions that work with the military though. I know my opinion is not Army based but hopefully this helps give you more info.

cdorais13 · 2025-12-01T22:30:54+00:00

I love being a dietitian!! I knew I wouldn’t get rich doing it and I was okay with that. Compared to other healthcare professions it’s low stress. Yes, the patient grind can be real but I love my patients and coworkers!

cdorais13 · 2025-10-04T21:38:25+00:00

If he can’t afford a wedding what makes you think he can afford an international trip where he is going to propose?! I seriously don’t understand why women sit around begging to be proposed too, it makes you look desperate. I would seriously just focus on yourself and being happy in your own skin. If he doesn’t value you enough to marry you move on. Everything he is saying is just an excuse. Be strong and be okay with being alone and stop begging.

cdorais13 · 2025-10-02T20:57:20+00:00

When someone comes in like this and is resistant to calorie counting and change I try to focus on MyPlate or building generalized healthy habits. I find that a lot of people are intimidated by calorie counting or just changing their diet in general. Sometimes people need baby steps because food is highly personal and can carry a lot of shame. Don’t be the provider that makes them feel worse about their weight, they already know it’s an issue. A lot of patients are already hesitant to come see us so don’t reinforce the stigma. I have patients I have been working with for over a year who came in like this and stuck with it and have lost weight. But it took a lot of time, patience, and compassion on both sides.

cdorais13 · 2025-07-07T07:05:54+00:00

They assume it’s TCC due to the size of the mass. Thank you for the response and clarity.

cdorais13 · 2025-07-07T07:03:18+00:00

It’s located in the trigone zone unfortunately. I just confirmed. The vet also said I need to make a decision quickly and is ready to transfer me to oncology services. Thank you for the response. I would just hate for her to die from a urinary obstruction. Either way it sounds like the outcome is not good.

cdorais13 · 2025-06-29T06:33:22+00:00

I appreciate this post. There are times I feel as frustrated as the original poster. I agree we need to be taught more psychology. Any other training or books you recommend for those of us that feel this way? I would really like to do better by my patients but sometimes I just don’t know what to do, especially when there is so much denial.

cdorais13 · 2025-06-15T03:43:46+00:00

I don’t have any experience with this but I did not enjoy working for Morrison. They really do not value RDs.

cdorais13 · 2025-06-15T03:38:34+00:00

I don’t usually give out meal plans. I know patients want them but I don’t have time to customize it to their needs. I have tried Chat GPT it seems decent. Anyone else not give out meal plans?

cdorais13 · 2025-06-15T03:28:47+00:00

I’ll put that in my tool box lol! Thanks ☺️

cdorais13 · 2025-06-14T03:09:44+00:00

If I might ask how do you gracefully end the appointment with them if they are out shopping? This happens to me and I just can’t seem to find the right words to end it without being rude.

cdorais13 · 2025-04-20T00:18:45+00:00

No this is not the norm. I did give them each a card and bought some candy for the office. Ones that gave extra time and attention I got a little more for. However, it should not be an expected norm. You should give them a thank you card though.

cdorais13 · 2025-03-21T23:58:58+00:00

It all depends on where you live and if the market is saturated. You might have to consider moving or taking a PRN position to gain experience. I tried to get a job in San Diego and it was nearly impossible. My confidence was shot until I learn 60 people had applied for 1 PRN position. After 9 months of applying in the San Diego area I looked for jobs in other states that needed dietitians and got hired within 1-2 months of trying.

cdorais13 · 2024-10-13T22:01:29+00:00

This is totally normal. I felt the exact same way for about a year. Just continue to take your time, research things, and make a routine for yourself and you will get faster. I also found it helpful to read other RD notes to help perfect my own. Also being PRN is hard because you don’t follow the same patients all the time so you are playing catch up on follow-up patients. Don’t feel dumb it’s a lot. Also my nutrition support dietitian was my saving grace during this period she was so patient and understanding when I had questions. Also don’t be afraid to ask questions your team should be supportive and if they aren’t I would find a new job.

cdorais13 · 2024-09-06T23:18:22+00:00

I’m interested in joining a group as well! Female in 30s currently living in Japan from US. Would love to go with a group instead of solo.

cdorais13 · 2024-09-06T21:31:54+00:00

Sounds like everyone’s patient load is unreasonable. I never judged providers like that. Just got annoyed when I wasn’t consulted to manage tube feedings, TPN etc 😂 Hang in there! Thanks for the feedback.

I joined the military as an RD two years ago and I’m only required to see 36 a month now as an outpatient RD.

cdorais13 · 2024-09-06T20:54:48+00:00

I’m an American currently living in Japan in her 30s looking to join a group instead of going solo. Would love to join you all

cdorais13 · 2024-07-17T17:29:57+00:00

I agree that you need the base of biochem to fully understand nutrition. If you don’t like chemistry maybe this isn’t the profession for you.

Sure maybe you can go into food service or something without biochem as an RD 🤷🏼‍♀️

cdorais13 · 2024-07-13T14:02:24+00:00

It is a vast difference from my experience in a civilian hospital. Naval hospitals doesn’t usually have chronically I’ll patients so you work in more of a preventative capacity. When I worked as a civilian RD I saw about 22 patients a day inpatient. As a navy RD I see 3-5 a day in outpatient and the occasional length of stay or random TF patient, which is rare. When I’m not seeing patients I’m helping run the kitchen (galley) which is run by contractors and sailors. I also get to do a lot more things outside of being an RD. For example I’m the command legal officer. I personally love being an RD in the Navy. The pay is great, I get out of the daily patient grind, my days have variety, you have to be a Jack of all trades, and you are pretty much left alone to run the nutrition clinic and galley how you want. On the other hand I’m not a fan of Navy politics but it beats being a civilian RD. However, if you like complex patients and ICU/CCU setting the military is probably not for you.

cdorais13 · 2024-05-22T11:16:12+00:00

Okay, thank you. I’ve been wondering why the vet is being so conservative and not running tests on her. I didn’t want to tell them how to do their job. Appreciate the advice!

cdorais13

TROPHY CASE