Evaluating Clinical Nutrition Managers’ Involvement in Key Management Functions

Abstract

Registered dietitian nutritionists are employed in the health care environment with various titles, including clinical dietitians, clinical dietitian-specialists, outpatient dietitians, pediatric dietitians, and directors of food and nutrition services. 1 Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics compensation and benefits survey of the dietetic profession 2015. http://www.eatright.org/salarysurvey. Published 2016. Accessed February 4, 2016. Google Scholar A less common role is that of clinical nutrition manager (CNM), who administers health care clinical nutrition services. 2 Clark K.M. Moore C. Trombley L. et al. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Standards of professional performance for Registered Dietitians (competent, proficient, expert) in clinical nutrition management. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2012; 112: 1662-1669 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (9) Google Scholar The full scope of the CNM’s role is ambiguous, including his or her daily tasks and their role preparation. This article provides a comparative benchmark between previous research 3 Witte S.S. Messersmith A.M. Clinical nutrition management position: Responsibilities and skill development strategies. J Am Diet Assoc. 1995; 95: 1113-1120 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (12) Google Scholar and current CNM practice. Previous research validated 46 job tasks of CNMs. 3 Witte S.S. Messersmith A.M. Clinical nutrition management position: Responsibilities and skill development strategies. J Am Diet Assoc. 1995; 95: 1113-1120 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (12) Google Scholar Recent changes in health care have impacted managers’ roles and responsibilities and, thus, the need to assess whether previous CNM research is still applicable. Determining current CNM responsibilities is important so that the role and profession can keep pace with the dynamic needs of the health care sector. One also must align those CNM responsibilities with educational and development opportunities with that area of practice.