Evaluating Human Resources and Financial Management Responsibilities of Clinical Nutrition Managers

-

This Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics study looks at defining the clinical nutrition manager’s (CNM) responsibilities in managing human and financial resources. This also includes determining educational needs and provides a “demographic profile for practicing CNMs.”  89% of participants reported being very involved in the management of human resources, especially with motivating staff and “identifying non-compliant behavior of staff.”   Looking at the less frequently done tasks, few CNMs reported spending time creating job descriptions for their staff.  The self-reported competency level was 23.7% competent, 46.5% proficient, 29.8% expert.  A major reason for the difference in task frequency is varying hospital sizes where the CNM works.  In summary, the results showed the most common job responsibilities are managing clinical operations, providing leadership to clinical nutrition services and/or foodservice operations, motivating staff, providing MNT to clients/patients, and managing foodservice operations.
            The most surprising aspect of this study was the self-reported competency level of the clinical nutrition managers.  Only 46% thought they were proficient even though the article said the average length of time being a CNM in their current position was 10.5 years. 60% of the respondents also had a masters degree, making it even more shocking that they do not feel like they are competent.  I think this feeling of not being competent may stem from the importance of dietitians having to prove their worth in the medical field. Feelings of not being taken seriously as an important asset as a medical professional may be a reason for this lower than expected percentage.  Overall, the study did a good job helping to define what a clinical nutrition manager does and gives a better idea of their scope of practice.
 -D.G.
Howells, A. , Sauer, K., Shanklin, C. "Evaluating Human Resources and Financial Management Responsibilities of Clinical Nutrition Managers." J Acad Nutr Diet. 21 March 2016. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jand.2016.02.006http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jand.2016.02.006

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Do you struggle with pre and post exercise nutrition?

-
Image
What should i eat before and after a workout? First things first…carbohydrates, proteins and fats are important for the body before  and after exercise. Exercising muscle preferentially uses carbohydrates from stored glycogen, but fats are also an important fuel source for energy production during exercise. Fats and carbohydrates are the two major fuel sources during exercise. Fats must be translocated and broken down from their storage form before they are used. Typically there is enough carbohydrate stored as muscle glycogen for exercise but as muscle glycogen stores decline, the skeletal muscle will then use some amino acids (basic components of all protein). More specifically, the amino acid leucine is used for energy.              It is important to consume an adequate amount of carbohydrates exercise to delay fatigue and minimize gastrointestinal distress. It is also important to consume enough fluids to prev...
Read more

Child Malnutrition

-
New approach to childhood malnutrition may reduce relapses, deaths http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/02/150211124024.htm               Moderate acute malnutrition is experienced by 35 million children worldwide. A new study led by researchers from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has suggested that feeding children until they have met target measures of arm circumference and weight may be more important than a set 12 week feeding time. However, researchers have found that the current targets, set by the World Health Organization (WHO) may not be sufficient and raising these targets slightly could significantly reduce the risk of relapse in malnourished children; a condition that has a 37% relapse rate. The study took place in rural Malawi and was comprised of 2,349 moderately malnourished children aged 6 months to 5 years old. Children were evaluated 12 months after treatment; 1,967 rec...
Read more

Harvest of the Month

-
Image
Harvest of the Month  August – Corn Good source of  fiber Carbohydrate source for energy Antioxidants Contains vitamins and minerals ½ cup or 1 ear = 80 calories   http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=90 September – Watermelon High in vitamin A and vitamin C Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory support 1 cup cubed = 46 calories http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=31 October – Apples High in fiber Vitamin C Abundant amount of antioxidants 1 medium = 95 calories  http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=15 November – Squash and Pumpkin High in vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin B2, B3 & B6 Many minerals  High in fiber Multiple antioxidant properties  1 cup = 76 calories  http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=63 Decembe...
Read more