Who am I as a Registered Dietitian?
- barbara1122
- Jan 29, 2022
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 23, 2022
Who am I as a registered dietitian? I ask myself this question, especially on those tough days when nothing seems to be going right. I’ve come to realize this is a question we should be asking ourselves. Asking this question, and then of course, answering it, is what gives us perspective about who we are and what we want to accomplish in our lives. It allows us to take a step back and reflect on how we got to where we are and what is important to us for the future. When I think of my professional identity as a dietitian, I think of how I want others, especially clients and co-workers, to see me. I hope they can see how passionate I am about my work and how privileged I feel to have this career. I want my colleagues to know they can approach me at any time with questions, concerns, and ideas and I would welcome their comments and feedback. I want them to feel we are part of a team that strives together to make our workplace, not only more effective and efficient, but also an enjoyable place to spend our working day. I want them to know I have a mutual respect for the tremendous work they do and without them I can’t do my job to the best of my ability. I want my clients to know that their health and well-being is my top priority. I want them to feel they can ask questions and trust I will give them true and honest answers. I want them to feel they can confide in me and I will not break my oath of confidentiality. I want them to know I will strive to give them the tools they need to empower themselves to live their best lives.
Renewing my professional license allows me to review the College of Dietitians of Manitoba’s Code of Ethics (2018) and Professional Standards (2020). The Code of Ethics state the values expected of a dietitian which reflect my values as a professional. Values such as providing client-centred care, safeguarding confidentiality, respecting client’s choice, working collaboratively with colleagues, and being accountable to my practice and my profession (2018). The Professional Standards reflect my values as they guide me in my daily practice. I endeavour to work with clients to meet mutually desired goals, competently practice within my unique body of knowledge, maintain my competence in my area of practice, and be accountable to the public (2020).
As a registered dietitian, I am part of the enormous machine that is the Canadian Health Care System. The Canada Health Care Act is Canada’s federal legislation for publicly funded health insurance (Canada Health Act, 2020). Each province and territory receive federal cash contributions for their health care insurance plan under the Canada Health Transfer (Canada’s Health Care System, 2016). The Province of Manitoba distributes these funds to various departments including Manitoba Health. Most health services funded by Manitoba Health are delivered through the Regional Health Authorities (Manitoba Health, n.d.). I work in the Southern Health Region at a small long term care facility. Looking at my role in this context, I am a very tiny cog in a very large wheel. However, I know my work is critically important to those I serve.
The values I hold and the professional identity I want to convey should reflect my place in social media. As a dietitian, I have a responsibility to my College to follow the two Practice Directive with regards to social media use, confidentiality and professional practice. Confidentiality refers to not posting any information that could identify a client, recognizing that social networking sites are not considered private, and privacy settings can be compromised (College of Dietitians of Manitoba, 2016). Under professional practice, clients cannot be personally contacted, personal and professional online profiles must be separate, information and pictures must be presented in a professional manner, and social media posts must comply with employer policies (College of Dietitians of Manitoba, 2016). As a professional, I think I should be held to a higher standard. I have an obligation to my clients, my colleagues, my co-workers and my workplace to ensure that my social media presence is in no way misinforming the public or misrepresenting my profession.
Who am I as a registered dietitian? I am someone who feels tremendous pride to be part of a profession that contributes so significantly and in so many ways to the health and well-being of our society.
References:
Canada’s Health Care System. (2016).
College of Dietitians of Manitoba. (2018).
College of Dietitians of Manitoba. (2020).
Government of Canada. Canada Health Act. (2020).
Manitoba Health. (n.d.)
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