Dietetics is the study and application of scientific knowledge of human nutrition, biochemistry, physiology and food, integrated with the behavioural and social sciences, current business and food service systems management, to attain or maintain optimal health of individuals in institutions or in the community. Dietitians are health care professionals who assess individuals’ nutritional needs and provide medical nutrition therapy to manage the treatment of hospitalized individuals and those living with any nutrition-related condition or disease. Dietitians are also involved in promoting optimal health of individuals and groups in non-health sectors and in the community.
DUTIES
- Assess nutritional needs of individuals and groups.
- Establish nutritional diagnoses.
- Facilitate development of client’s goals and objectives that meet the nutritional needs of individuals and groups.
- Determine medical nutrition therapy strategies to address diagnoses and client’s goals.
- Monitor, evaluate outcomes of medical nutrition therapy.
- Consult with physicians and other healthcare personnel.
- Establish and supervise implementation of foodservice systems to meet patients’ medical nutrition therapy needs.
- Monitor, evaluate and maintain proper standards of food quality and safety.
- Conduct basic and applied research.
- Manage the nutrition and dietetics department, and coordinate departmental services with those of other associated departments.
- Contribute to education and training of dietetic interns, other healthcare personnel and other individuals.
- Prepare age-specific, culturally relevant educational materials for diverse individuals and groups.
- Provide advice to food industries and other food-related bodies.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Required CXC (CSEC) subjects include English, Mathematics, Chemistry;
- Two CXC (CAPE) science subjects OR a Diploma or Associate degree in Nutrition or Food Science or Chemistry or Biochemistry from a recognised tertiary level institution
- Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition and Dietetics coordinated or integrated with an approved dietetic internship comprising of supervised practice in (a) clinical dietetics (b) community dietetics and nutrition and (c) foodservice systems management OR
- Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition and Dietetics OR Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology with a concentration in Human Nutrition and Dietetics followed by an approved dietetic internship comprising of supervised practice in (a) clinical dietetics (b) community dietetics and nutrition and (c) foodservice systems management
Registration
- Registration with the Nutritionists and Dietitians Board of the Council Professions Related to Medicine, Trinidad and Tobago.
PROFILE
- Good communication skills.
- Good management skills.
- Good time management skills.
- Good critical thinking skills.
- Empathetic and client centered
- Flexible
- Advocate for and demonstrates professional standards.
- Maintains professional competencies.
- Respect for religious and cultural preferences.
- Patience.
- Computer literate
- Able to work well independently and as a team member.
