- 31 August 2017
Name: Amy Judd
Job: Registered Nutritionist
Organisation: Mission nutrition
THE JOB:
I work in a consulting setting, so a typical day involves working with clients of all ages, often through referrals from GP practices. I see clients mainly from the Auckland area, but also make use of technology by video conferencing clients anywhere around the country. I get to book clients around when it suits me best, occasionally working weekends to further accommodate people’s schedules. I tend to spend the mornings in the clinic and sessions range from discussions on weight loss, how to balance a restricted diet and reducing digestive discomfort, to eating for pregnancy or fertility or how to resolve fussy eating for children. I also do body composition analysis for those clients that need it. Sessions finish with goal setting to help clients reach their main health outcome.
The other half of my day is typically spent writing clinic notes or new client plans. I provide an individualised report for every new client that comes to see me, and this can sometimes take a fair bit of time outside of clinic hours (depending on the case).
There are other things that pop up that aren't part of the clinic including supermarket tours, cooking demonstrations and workplace seminars! The variety is great.
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED?
It is a hard field to get started in with no 'right' way to do it. Most places want you to have some work experience, and so I would recommend volunteering or shadowing of others as a great starting point.
I started working in a gym part-time as a receptionist while I was studying to help provide me with a doorway to start consulting once I had completed my studies. Once I came back I talked with a couple of established nutritionists (where the Nutrition Society is helpful in connecting you with people) and got an idea on how they did things. I then started seeing clients within the gym I was working for, gradually building this up. I also always kept an eye out for other opportunities (volunteering etc) and managed to get a job at the Heart Foundation which developed lots of other skills. After working in a couple of roles there I then decided to further my studies and hence now I work for myself and contract for Mission Nutrition.
IDEAL QUALIFICATIONS?
A Bachelor of Science majoring in Human Nutrition (3 years full time study) is a great route to take. This sets you up to be able to become registered once you begin working. 'Nutritionist' is not currently a protected term in NZ, so anyone can call themselves a Nutritionist (even someone who does a one-day course). For this reason getting registered is important to differentiate yourself in the profession, and help the public recognise you are an expert in this field. Registration involves 2-3 years professional experience before you apply, and your application is judged by a panel of people involved in the field of nutrition.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS?
- Time management - Tto keep appointments running on time and balance clinic time with note-keeping.
- Communication skills - to communicate the science and knowledge you have into language the public understands.
- Relationship and rapport building - you need to be able to build rapport with clients so they feel comfortable discussing their health goals and lifestyle. Often they can feel quite vulnerable when they come to clinic.
- Administration and organisation - there is plenty of administrative work involved with this role. Being able to complete paperwork, attend to detail, and stay up to date is important.
TYPE OF PERSON?
Anyone who can work well with people from different backgrounds and stages of life, and adapts well to change as lots of new things pop up all the time.
PROS & CONS
Pros’s: The time spent in clinic is great- especially if you love working with people. You have the opportunity to support people in making real changes in their lives and seeing them flourish with the results. The flexibility and variability is a big pro!
Cons: Working for myself means I have a lot of admin to do (accounts, invoicing, expenses, clinic notes, tax returns etc.). This part can be draining and difficult and requires good administration skills.
BEST AND WORST MOMENTS
I have had so many good moments! I get really excited seeing clients reach their goals. I have also enjoyed the non-clinic aspects of my job including supermarket tours, food and cooking demonstrations and workplace wellness talks.
Worst moments – because I manage my own hours around client needs, the worst moments so far have been waking up early to get to clinic for a 6am start to find your first client of the day has forgotten about their appointment or slept in and missed it!
THE FUTURE
Nutrition is really a hot topic at the moment! This area will continue to grow as people need to eat, and food plays such a fundamental role in how our bodies work and stay well in the long-term!