- Email: [email protected]
Job Satisfaction of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists Practicing Nutrition Support
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4
Poster Session: Professional Skills; Nutrition Assessment; Medical Nutrition Therapy Factors Influencing Career Decisions of Dietetic Technician Students Author(s): K. Border1, A.M. Michalek2, L. Rafalson3; 1Dietetics, D’Youville Coll., Buffalo, NY, 2Health Service Policy and Practice, Univ. at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 3 Health Services Administration, D’Youville Coll., Buffalo, NY Learning Outcome: The learner will demonstrate understanding of factors influencing career decisions including intent to write the registration examination of dietetic technician students. Background: This study examined if differences in demographics and career perceptions exist between students who indicate their intent to take the Registration Examination for Dietetic Technicians (DTR exam) and those who do not intend to take the DTR exam upon graduation. A more complete understanding of the educational goals and career perceptions of the associate prepared dietetics student will further identify the validity of the associate degree as an entry point into the profession of dietetics. Methods: Data were collected from students enrolled in associate degree programs in dietetics in New York State (n¼284). Chi-square testing for independence established significant relationships between student characteristics and writing the exam (r 0.05). Results: Of the 284 surveys distributed, 208 were returned yielding a 73% response rate. The majority of respondents were white (72.6%), female (79.8%), and were 18-22 years old (58.7%). Ninety percent (n¼184) of the respondents indicated they planned to write the exam upon graduation. Significant factors included the student’s current year in program and why they decided to pursue a career in dietetics (r0.05). Forty four percent of students felt the DTR credential would assist in launching their career. Conclusions: Dietetic Technicians students in New York State value the DTR credential and plan to write the DTR exam upon graduation. Funding Disclosure: None
Food Insecurity/Food Banking Dietetic Internship Concentration Prepares Future RDNs for Working with Food Insecure Populations Author(s): L. Medrow1, D. Handu2, K. Brown1, M. Berger-Marshall3, C. Rivera3, T. Forgac4; 1Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Fndn., Chicago, IL, 2Research International & Scientific Affairs, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Chicago, IL, 3Feeding America, Chicago, IL, 4Natl. Dairy Council, Chicago, IL Learning Outcome: Participants will be able to list at least two steps in the process used to develop and evaluate the Food Insecurity/Food Banking Dietetic Internship Concentration. A 2012 Feeding America survey revealed many RDNs lack skills to effectively work with food insecure populations. In response to the need to better prepare future RDNs for careers in this field, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation collaborated with Feeding America and ACEND to develop a Food Insecurity/Food Banking Dietetic Internship (DI) Concentration. A diverse group of nutrition and food banking professionals identified the knowledge/skills necessary for entry-level RDNs working in food banks. They then developed 19 learning activities to achieve the identified knowledge/skills. Thirteen food banks and DI programs were recruited to pilot the concentration with dietetic interns in the fall of 2014. The evaluation plan received IRB approval, and included online surveys for DI program directors, food bank RDN preceptors, and dietetic interns to assess the value of the activities and receive feedback. Based on the analysis of the survey responses, the 19 learning activities were categorized as most beneficial (7), least beneficial (6), and those needing modifications (6). Activities were revised, combined, or eliminated to create an improved 12-activity concentration. A spring 2015 pilot with three fall pilot sites and five new sites is currently underway, with results available at FNCE 2015. The collaborative process of developing and evaluating this DI concentration by the Academy Foundation, Feeding America, ACEND, and nutrition educators is unique and resulted in high quality learning activities for future RDNs to prepare them for employment in food banks. The full DI concentration activities will be available in the Fall of 2015. Funding Disclosure: National Dairy Council educational grant and Feeding America food bank pilot site stipends
Research Interest and Research Involvement among United States Registered Dietitians Author(s): M. Boyd, A. Fleisch Marcus, L. Byham-Gray, R. Touger Decker; Nutritional Sciences, Rutgers Univ., Sch. of Hlth. Related Professions, Newark, NJ Learning Outcome: The participant will be able to list research activities that are of interest US RDs and the correlations between professional characteristics, research interest, and research involvement. Background: Assessment of research involvement among Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) has been described as a continuum with four levels. Research is important for the advancement of the dietetics profession. Objective: To determine relationships between United States (US) RDNs’ research interest and involvement using the Interest in Research Questionnaire (IRQ) and Dietitian Research Involvement Survey (DRIS) scores and to explore relationships between select professional characteristics and research interest and involvement. Methodology: A secondary analysis of data from a clinical trial of 580 US RDNs in clinical practice. SPSS v22 was used for data analyses; descriptive statistics were reported for professional characteristics and research interest and involvement. Spearman’s correlation was used to analyze relationships between variables. Results: The sample (n¼580) was 84.1% white, non-Hispanic and 96% female. Respondents had mean IRQ and DRIS scores of 55.0 out of 80.0 points and 23.5 out of 60.0 points respectively. Frequency of reading research (r¼0.298, p<0.0001), highest degree earned at the time of completing the survey (r¼0.172, p<0.0001), and highest degree earned at time of becoming an RD (r¼0.137, p¼0.001) were each positively correlated with IRQ scores. A positive correlation was found between research interest and involvement (r¼0.435, p<0.0001). Conclusions: RDs in clinical practice in the US appear to be more interested and involved with activities related to Levels 1 and 2 of the research continuum. These practitioners are more likely to be reading professional materials and involved with research if they are interested in research.
Job Satisfaction of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists Practicing Nutrition Support Author(s): B. Talenfeld, E.B. Enrione; Department of Dietetics & Nutrition, Florida Intl. Univ., Miami, FL Learning Outcome: Participants will be able to differentiate which job components result in high and low satisfaction for dietitians who practice nutrition support. Job satisfaction of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) with the specialist credential, Certified Nutrition Support Clinician (CNSC) or Certified Nutrition Support Dietitian (CNSD) has not been studied. This study assessed job satisfaction of RDNs credentialed with CNSC/CNSD and those not credentialed who practice nutritional support. The Measure of Job Satisfaction Survey, scored on a five-point Likert scale (1¼very dissatisfied to 5¼very satisfied), was e-mailed to 3,319 members of the Dietetic Practice Group, Dietitians in Nutrition Support. Means and standard deviations (MSD) were calculated for scores of overall job satisfaction and its individual components (personal satisfaction, workload, professional support, training, pay, prospects and standards of care). T-tests compared satisfaction scores of CNSC/ CNSDs to those without the credential. Significance was p<0.05. Of the 472 RDNs who responded, 49.2% (n¼232) earned a CNSC/CNSD and 50.8% (n¼ 240) were not credentialed. The CNSC/CNSDs practiced nutrition support significantly longer (12.668.96) than non-CNSC/CNSDs (9.449.19) (p<0.001). A significantly higher percentage of CNSC/CNSDs (74.5%, n¼173) earned $50,000 per year when compared to non-credentialed RDNs (61.2%, n¼141) (p¼0.006). Hours worked per week and patients seen per day did not differ significantly between groups. For CNSC/CNSDs, personal (4.090.67) and training (3.410.77) satisfaction were significantly higher than for noncredentialed RDNs (3.950.62; 3.230.73, respectively) (p¼0.02, p¼0.01, respectively). Comparisons for overall job satisfaction and the other components were not significant. Earning the credential had no impact on overall job satisfaction for these RDNs. The credential, CNSC/CNSD, was associated with increased personal and training satisfaction. Funding Disclosure: None
Funding Disclosure: None
September 2015 Suppl 2—Abstracts Volume 115 Number 9
JOURNAL OF THE ACADEMY OF NUTRITION AND DIETETICS
A-11
Poster Session: Professional Skills; Nutrition Assessment; Medical Nutrition Therapy Factors Influencing Career Decisions of Dietetic Technician Students Author(s): K. Border1, A.M. Michalek2, L. Rafalson3; 1Dietetics, D’Youville Coll., Buffalo, NY, 2Health Service Policy and Practice, Univ. at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 3 Health Services Administration, D’Youville Coll., Buffalo, NY Learning Outcome: The learner will demonstrate understanding of factors influencing career decisions including intent to write the registration examination of dietetic technician students. Background: This study examined if differences in demographics and career perceptions exist between students who indicate their intent to take the Registration Examination for Dietetic Technicians (DTR exam) and those who do not intend to take the DTR exam upon graduation. A more complete understanding of the educational goals and career perceptions of the associate prepared dietetics student will further identify the validity of the associate degree as an entry point into the profession of dietetics. Methods: Data were collected from students enrolled in associate degree programs in dietetics in New York State (n¼284). Chi-square testing for independence established significant relationships between student characteristics and writing the exam (r 0.05). Results: Of the 284 surveys distributed, 208 were returned yielding a 73% response rate. The majority of respondents were white (72.6%), female (79.8%), and were 18-22 years old (58.7%). Ninety percent (n¼184) of the respondents indicated they planned to write the exam upon graduation. Significant factors included the student’s current year in program and why they decided to pursue a career in dietetics (r0.05). Forty four percent of students felt the DTR credential would assist in launching their career. Conclusions: Dietetic Technicians students in New York State value the DTR credential and plan to write the DTR exam upon graduation. Funding Disclosure: None
Food Insecurity/Food Banking Dietetic Internship Concentration Prepares Future RDNs for Working with Food Insecure Populations Author(s): L. Medrow1, D. Handu2, K. Brown1, M. Berger-Marshall3, C. Rivera3, T. Forgac4; 1Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Fndn., Chicago, IL, 2Research International & Scientific Affairs, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Chicago, IL, 3Feeding America, Chicago, IL, 4Natl. Dairy Council, Chicago, IL Learning Outcome: Participants will be able to list at least two steps in the process used to develop and evaluate the Food Insecurity/Food Banking Dietetic Internship Concentration. A 2012 Feeding America survey revealed many RDNs lack skills to effectively work with food insecure populations. In response to the need to better prepare future RDNs for careers in this field, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation collaborated with Feeding America and ACEND to develop a Food Insecurity/Food Banking Dietetic Internship (DI) Concentration. A diverse group of nutrition and food banking professionals identified the knowledge/skills necessary for entry-level RDNs working in food banks. They then developed 19 learning activities to achieve the identified knowledge/skills. Thirteen food banks and DI programs were recruited to pilot the concentration with dietetic interns in the fall of 2014. The evaluation plan received IRB approval, and included online surveys for DI program directors, food bank RDN preceptors, and dietetic interns to assess the value of the activities and receive feedback. Based on the analysis of the survey responses, the 19 learning activities were categorized as most beneficial (7), least beneficial (6), and those needing modifications (6). Activities were revised, combined, or eliminated to create an improved 12-activity concentration. A spring 2015 pilot with three fall pilot sites and five new sites is currently underway, with results available at FNCE 2015. The collaborative process of developing and evaluating this DI concentration by the Academy Foundation, Feeding America, ACEND, and nutrition educators is unique and resulted in high quality learning activities for future RDNs to prepare them for employment in food banks. The full DI concentration activities will be available in the Fall of 2015. Funding Disclosure: National Dairy Council educational grant and Feeding America food bank pilot site stipends
Research Interest and Research Involvement among United States Registered Dietitians Author(s): M. Boyd, A. Fleisch Marcus, L. Byham-Gray, R. Touger Decker; Nutritional Sciences, Rutgers Univ., Sch. of Hlth. Related Professions, Newark, NJ Learning Outcome: The participant will be able to list research activities that are of interest US RDs and the correlations between professional characteristics, research interest, and research involvement. Background: Assessment of research involvement among Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) has been described as a continuum with four levels. Research is important for the advancement of the dietetics profession. Objective: To determine relationships between United States (US) RDNs’ research interest and involvement using the Interest in Research Questionnaire (IRQ) and Dietitian Research Involvement Survey (DRIS) scores and to explore relationships between select professional characteristics and research interest and involvement. Methodology: A secondary analysis of data from a clinical trial of 580 US RDNs in clinical practice. SPSS v22 was used for data analyses; descriptive statistics were reported for professional characteristics and research interest and involvement. Spearman’s correlation was used to analyze relationships between variables. Results: The sample (n¼580) was 84.1% white, non-Hispanic and 96% female. Respondents had mean IRQ and DRIS scores of 55.0 out of 80.0 points and 23.5 out of 60.0 points respectively. Frequency of reading research (r¼0.298, p<0.0001), highest degree earned at the time of completing the survey (r¼0.172, p<0.0001), and highest degree earned at time of becoming an RD (r¼0.137, p¼0.001) were each positively correlated with IRQ scores. A positive correlation was found between research interest and involvement (r¼0.435, p<0.0001). Conclusions: RDs in clinical practice in the US appear to be more interested and involved with activities related to Levels 1 and 2 of the research continuum. These practitioners are more likely to be reading professional materials and involved with research if they are interested in research.
Job Satisfaction of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists Practicing Nutrition Support Author(s): B. Talenfeld, E.B. Enrione; Department of Dietetics & Nutrition, Florida Intl. Univ., Miami, FL Learning Outcome: Participants will be able to differentiate which job components result in high and low satisfaction for dietitians who practice nutrition support. Job satisfaction of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) with the specialist credential, Certified Nutrition Support Clinician (CNSC) or Certified Nutrition Support Dietitian (CNSD) has not been studied. This study assessed job satisfaction of RDNs credentialed with CNSC/CNSD and those not credentialed who practice nutritional support. The Measure of Job Satisfaction Survey, scored on a five-point Likert scale (1¼very dissatisfied to 5¼very satisfied), was e-mailed to 3,319 members of the Dietetic Practice Group, Dietitians in Nutrition Support. Means and standard deviations (MSD) were calculated for scores of overall job satisfaction and its individual components (personal satisfaction, workload, professional support, training, pay, prospects and standards of care). T-tests compared satisfaction scores of CNSC/ CNSDs to those without the credential. Significance was p<0.05. Of the 472 RDNs who responded, 49.2% (n¼232) earned a CNSC/CNSD and 50.8% (n¼ 240) were not credentialed. The CNSC/CNSDs practiced nutrition support significantly longer (12.668.96) than non-CNSC/CNSDs (9.449.19) (p<0.001). A significantly higher percentage of CNSC/CNSDs (74.5%, n¼173) earned $50,000 per year when compared to non-credentialed RDNs (61.2%, n¼141) (p¼0.006). Hours worked per week and patients seen per day did not differ significantly between groups. For CNSC/CNSDs, personal (4.090.67) and training (3.410.77) satisfaction were significantly higher than for noncredentialed RDNs (3.950.62; 3.230.73, respectively) (p¼0.02, p¼0.01, respectively). Comparisons for overall job satisfaction and the other components were not significant. Earning the credential had no impact on overall job satisfaction for these RDNs. The credential, CNSC/CNSD, was associated with increased personal and training satisfaction. Funding Disclosure: None
Funding Disclosure: None
September 2015 Suppl 2—Abstracts Volume 115 Number 9
JOURNAL OF THE ACADEMY OF NUTRITION AND DIETETICS
A-11