A pediatric dietitian’s main responsibilities usually include developing nutrition programs and evaluating policies for patients aged 18 and under. Depending on his or her work location, he or she may also complete other tasks such as assisting parents with weight management for their children or prescribing the best nutrition program for a school to follow. In general, his or her expertise is in the area of food and infants, children, or adolescents.
This type of job typically entails working closely with parents and caregivers to implement specific dietary programs in a hospital setting. Some children may require assistance with weight management, while others may require menus that adhere to food restrictions imposed by an illness or allergy. It’s often difficult for those who aren’t specifically trained to deal with situations like these to come up with a solution, which is why a pediatric dietitian can be very helpful.
A pediatric dietitian can also be found in the field of education. The emphasis here shifts away from what is best for an individual and toward what is best for the group as a whole. Planning school breakfast and lunch menus, deciding which snacks are served at a snack stand, or assisting parents in learning how to prepare healthy meals at home are all examples of this type of work. Some even take on advocacy roles in order to keep the food at a school healthy and nutritious for the students.
A pediatric dietitian may also be in charge of determining broad dietary guidelines for public and private agencies to follow. A government regulatory body may wish to develop proper nutrition guidelines and would typically seek advice from a professional in this field. His or her expertise in this field would likely aid in the development of safe and accurate guidelines for a wide range of people. Similarly, employers in facilities such as day care centers or private schools may wish to seek advice from a nutritionist to ensure that the meals served are nutritionally sound.
A pediatric dietitian’s job usually requires a lot of education. Continuing education is generally required in addition to what is required to begin working in the position. Nutritional guidelines are subject to change, so being aware of them is useful when working with others. This allows the pediatric dietitian to make the most accurate recommendations possible, ensuring the best possible results for his or her clients.