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Calling All Rds!


DentalFoodie

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I'm finishing up my internship in July & wanted to see how you guys (and gals) find the job market for RDs, where you first worked after finishing etc? Also if any of you are in private practice.

 

I'm waiting on dent at the moment but I was thinking of working as a RD on the side (either a LTC or private practice part time)

 

Also, why isn't there a separate folder/area for Dietitians like for PT, OT etc? ????

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The job market entirely depends on where you live and where your interests lie. I'm in Ontario, and I receive a lot of emails looking for temporary, fill-in, or part-time RDs for various LTC facilities. As I have a master's in public health, I also receive a lot of postings for public health and health promotion jobs, again in Ontario.

 

My first job as an RD was a one year mat leave replacement at a CHC. I love primary care (CHCs and FHTs). Can't imagine ever working in a hospital or in LTC myself. I'm definitely an outpatient primary care RD. I like the variety that comes with the job - individual counselling, group programs, cooking classes, nutrition outreach. I also like the multidisciplinary environments present in CHCs, and having MDs and NPs consulting with me on nutrition. I also enjoy running programs in conjunction with our social workers and OTs. I enjoy mentoring students, whether they are medical students, nursing students, health promotion students, etc.

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Hi NutritionRunner! I'm also in Ontario, where are you getting your emails from? I'm signed up for notifications from indeed but I keep getting random food service/cook positions that don't need a RD designation.

 

I think I'm leaning towards in patient but it seems impossible to get a hospital position around the GTA. I'd rather not move to Sudbury if I didn't have to... another would be to go towards industry. Of course assuming I don't get into dentistry...

 

Any advice on what I should be working on now to prep for the job market (I have about ~3 months) before I finish.

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Seasons Care sends out a lot of requests for temporary, fill-in, etc. RDs in LTC. I also receive a lot of job postings from the internship coordinator at my master's program.

 

The GTA is really hard to break into. Even with a master's degree, a lot of my classmates had to look further afield for entry-level positions. I wanted to avoid the GTA at all costs, so that didn't matter to me! Those who obtained jobs on the GTA did so because they had completed and internship or practicum placement at that organization. For example, one of my internship placements in the GTA would have hired me in a minute had I been willing and able to stay in that area (as they knew me and my capabilities), but for many reasons, I was not interested in finding working in the GTA.

 

Industry is very interesting, and I was very open to working in industry (especially with Loblaw - a lot of my classmates ended up with them), but primary care (CHCs and FHTs) was what I felt drawn to, so I'm very happy my career has allowed me to stay working in FHTs and CHCs. I also did a placement in my master's at a Diabetes Education Centre, and would be open to working at one, once I have my CDE.

 

To prep for the job market, make sure you have great references for your area(s) of interest. One thing that really helped me land my first job was great references from the CHCs RDs I had worked with, who knew I could independently counsel the types of clients you get at CHCs (they can be very challenging, and it takes a certain personality to enjoy CHC work). Also, make sure your resume and cover letter are tailored for the position you are applying for. It's amazing how many people just send a generic resume and cover letter. It's very clear to those reviewing files when someone who has just finished an intrernship is just applying for all the jobs out there - nothing is tailored or personalized.

 

If you haven't already, make sure you have the opportunity to counsel clients independently, without an RD in the room, and if you can follow up with those clients, even better. Once thing that set me apart from others at the same level was the fact that the RD preceptors I had worked with were confident enough in my skills to let me counsel clients independently. I was even able to see two clients completely through the Nutrition Care Process, and then to discharge. Some hospitals/internships won't allow you that degree of independence (other than when filling in for vacations at some programs), but it was invaluable.

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Thanks for the detailed reply! For sure I was going to tailor my resume as I've reviewed enough award applications to know when people are bs ing/not actually interested. As for independence, I've been pretty much independent for over 2 placements now (I started being independent halfway through one placement so I guess 2.5 placements?) >11 weeks. I actually thought this was pretty common... but good to know I should emphasize this! As I would've otherwise brushed over this fact thinking it was standard for competencies.

 

As for finding references in the areas I want to work, it seems there's so few openings out there this is going to be more challenging (or you know I get into dent and don't have to worry at all ????)

 

I'll also follow up with my coordinator re: sending out job opportunities.

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