The process of becoming a dietitian is hard work. Lots of studying, hours of placement and a commitment to your field is all part and parcel when you want to help people live their healthiest, happiest lives. But that doesn’t mean you have to do the hard-yards alone. Today, we thought we’d share with you our go-to resources and tips when it comes to studying and practising as a dietitian.
We are passionate about helping Australia’s dietetics students and professionals guide their way through the field. After all, we know from experience that a little help can go a long way.
Our favourite resources.
No one expects you to remember every bit of information off the top of your head. Instead, there are websites, databases and books that can do that for you. Here are the top 5 resources that every student or practising dietitian needs in their arsenal:
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MIMS
It’s important that every dietitian understands the effects and requirements associated with any medication their client may be taking. This is where MIMS comes in – this easy-to-use, comprehensive database is the holy grail of medication information.
All you need to do is search the name of the medication and it will tell you everything you need to know about it. This includes details such as what it’s used for, when it should be prescribed, whether it must be taken with food and any side effects it might have. You can also download this information in its full form, in a brief document or in simple terms that you can pass on to your patient or client. It’s truly the easiest and most comprehensive way to ensure you’re across all medications and their potential interaction with their nutrition.
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NEMO
This is a website that provides nutrition education resources to help with client consults.
Knowing how to communicate information simply and effectively is a huge part of being a dietitian, as will ensure your client understands their condition and what interventions are needed to improve it. For this reason, NEMO will not only help you as a student, but will see you through your formative years working as a professional in the industry. Trust us when we say this will become your go-to tool for simplifying and communicating complex information.
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UpToDate
Ever read a medical term and had no idea what it is or how to pronounce it? You’re not alone. Luckily, UpToDate is your go-to resource for this problem. This online database does a great job of summarising information on different medical conditions, explaining their background, relevant research findings, necessary diagnostic procedures, potential side-effects and treatment options. This is super important as it will ensure you thoroughly understand a client’s condition and what the medical community knows about it before applying interventions.
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PEN
Practice-based Evidence in Nutrition – otherwise known as PEN – makes those hard-to-understand research papers easier to digest. This database provides a range of contextual information for the research findings, so you can better understand how it can be applied in real life practise. This makes it easier than ever for you to provide the most up-to-date interventions possible, backed by research and evidence that you can feel confident in. It’s a great way to develop a firm and well-rounded understanding of emerging research, so you can always provide accurate information to your clients.
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SPSS Survival Manual
If statistics and research methods aren’t your cup of tea – and let’s be honest, it’s no one’s cup of tea, this book will be a lifesaver for you. Like the title suggests, it provides a comprehensive and yet easy-to-understand overview of different research components. It’s perfect for any student who may be struggling with a research assignment or if you simply need a refresher from time to time.
Keep it in your office or on your desk and have peace of mind that you’ll be covered the next time you come across statistical information you don’t quite understand it is essential reading for any student!
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