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Clark K, Biesiekierski JR, Farrer OD, Stefoska-Needham A, Beckett EL, Lawlis T, Mantzioris E, Swanepoel L. Nutrition employability and graduate readiness: The Australian Working in Nutrition study. J Hum Nutr Diet 2024; 37:685-694. [PMID: 38446559 DOI: 10.1111/jhn.13295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nutrition science graduates contribute to the nutrition workforce by bringing specialist knowledge and skills needed to address future food challenges. This study aims to provide a snapshot of the current employment landscape for nutrition science graduates in Australia and how well their degrees prepare them for employment. METHOD A cross-sectional survey of Australian tertiary nutrition graduates was conducted to explore tertiary training, employment pathways and their perceived preparedness for practice. RESULTS This study included a final sample of 119 graduates from 17 Australian tertiary institutions. Almost two-thirds of respondents had completed further training. Most graduates (77%, n = 91) had worked in a food, nutrition science or health-related role after their degree; the most frequently cited employment settings were government or public health organisations; research, not-for-profit or nongovernment organisations; and the food industry. Work-integrated learning was identified as a key predictor of graduates working in a role that differed from their expectations as a student. The skill categories developed during nutrition training that were most valued in the workplace included nutrition and scientific knowledge, and professional and communication skills. CONCLUSIONS This study offers first insights into the current employment landscape for nutrition graduates across Australia. Findings show that current nutrition science professionals are highly qualified and prepared to navigate the evolving demands of nutrition practice. Regular review of graduate employment will inform nutrition science curriculum to enable graduates to be well equipped in the face of dynamic practice settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katya Clark
- Nutrition and Dietetics, Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jessica R Biesiekierski
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Olivia D Farrer
- Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Anita Stefoska-Needham
- Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, School of Medical, Indigenous and Health Sciences, University of Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Emma L Beckett
- FOODiQ Global, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Health Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tanya Lawlis
- Discipline of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Evangeline Mantzioris
- Clinical and Health Sciences and Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Libby Swanepoel
- School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia
- Australian Centre for Pacific Islands Research, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia
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Dart J, Rees C, Ash S, McCall L, Palermo C. Shifting the narrative and practice of assessing professionalism in dietetics education: An Australasian qualitative study. Nutr Diet 2023. [PMID: 36916155 DOI: 10.1111/1747-0080.12804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
AIM We aimed to explore current approaches to assessing professionalism in dietetics education in Australia and New Zealand, and asked the questions what is working well and what needs to improve? METHOD We employed a qualitative interpretive approach and conducted interviews with academic and practitioner (workplace-based) educators (total sample n = 78) with a key stake in dietetics education across Australia and New Zealand. Data were analysed using team-based, framework analysis. RESULTS Our findings suggest significant shifts in dietetics education in the area of professionalism assessment. Professionalism assessment is embedded in formal curricula of dietetics programs and is occurring in university and placement settings. In particular, advances have been demonstrated in those programs assessing professionalism as part of the programmatic assessment. Progress has been enabled by philosophical and curricula shifts; clearer articulation and shared understandings of professionalism standards; enhanced learner agency and reduced power distance; early identification and intervention of professionalism lapses; and increased confidence and capabilities of educators. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest there have been considerable advances in professionalism assessment in recent years with shifts in practice in approaching professionalism through a more interpretivist lens, holistically and more student-centred. Professionalism assessment in dietetics education is a shared responsibility and requires further development and transformation to more fully embed and strengthen curricula approaches across programs. Further work should investigate strategies to build safer learning cultures and capacity for professionalism conversations and in strengthening approaches to remediation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janeane Dart
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Charlotte Rees
- Head of School, School of Health Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Monash Centre for Scholarship in Health Education (MCSHE), Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Susan Ash
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Louise McCall
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Claire Palermo
- Office of the Deputy Dean Education, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Mellor D, Ball L. The role of dietitians in educating and training future dietitians and other healthcare professionals. J Hum Nutr Diet 2023; 36:17-19. [PMID: 36647804 DOI: 10.1111/jhn.13119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Duane Mellor
- Centre for Health and Society, Aston University, Birmingham, UK.,Aston Medical School, College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Lauren Ball
- Centre for Community Health and Wellbeing, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD, Australia
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Delbridge R, Jovanovski N, Skues J, Belski R. Exploring the relevance of intersectionality in Australian dietetics: Issues of diversity and representation. SOCIOLOGY OF HEALTH & ILLNESS 2022; 44:919-935. [PMID: 35404486 PMCID: PMC9545968 DOI: 10.1111/1467-9566.13471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Through an exploration of the origins of dietetics in the West, and specifically in Australia, we problematise the lack of diversity within the profession through the lens of intersectionality. Dietetics in Australia continues to be dominated by Australian-born women, and ideologies about dietitians perpetuate narratives of white, young, slim, women. Intersectional approaches to critiquing diversity in dietetics provides a useful framework to extend critical studies of health disparities into disparities in the dietetics professional workforce, which is advanced through structural, political and representational intersectionality guided critique. Through the analysis, a dialog is prompted in order to chart paths forward to find 'how differences will find expression' within the professional group. To do this, dietetics as a profession must reckon with its historical roots and step forward, out of a perceived position of objective neutrality regarding people and diversity, and into a position that can recognise that professional institutions have the power to exclude and marginalise, along with the power to include and transform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn Delbridge
- Department of Nursing and Allied HealthSwinburne University of TechnologyMelbourneAustralia
- Department of Food, Nutrition and DieteticsLa Trobe UniversityMelbourneAustralia
| | - Natalie Jovanovski
- Melbourne School of Population and Global HealthUniversity of MelbourneCarltonAustralia
| | - Jason Skues
- Department of Psychological SciencesSwinburne University of TechnologyMelbourneAustralia
| | - Regina Belski
- Department of Nursing and Allied HealthSwinburne University of TechnologyMelbourneAustralia
- Department of Food, Nutrition and DieteticsLa Trobe UniversityMelbourneAustralia
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Blair M, Mitchell L, Palermo C, Gibson S. Trends, challenges, opportunities, and future needs of the dietetic workforce: a systematic scoping review. Nutr Rev 2021; 80:1027-1040. [PMID: 34532738 DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuab071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Issues related to nutrition and health are prominent, yet it is unclear if the dietetics workforce is being used optimally. OBJECTIVE Trends, challenges, opportunities, and future needs of the international dietetic workforce are investigated in this review, which was registered with Open Science Framework (10.17605/OSF.IO/DXNWE). DATA SOURCES Eight academic and 5 grey-literature databases and the Google search engine were searched from 2010 onward according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. Of 2050 articles screened, 184 were eligible for inclusion. DATA EXTRACTION To chart data, a directed content analysis and a constant comparison technique were used. DATA ANALYSIS The following 13 themes were identified: 1) emerging or expanding areas of practice; 2) skill development; 3) economic considerations; 4) nutrition informatics; 5) diversity within the workforce; 6) specific areas of practice; 7) further education; 8) intrapersonal factors; 9) perceptions of the profession; 10) protecting the scope of practice; 11) support systems; 12) employment outcomes; and 13) registration or credentialing. CONCLUSIONS The dietetics profession is aware of the need to expand into diverse areas of employment. Comprehensive workforce data are necessary to facilitate workforce planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merran Blair
- M. Blair and C. Palermo are with the Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, Monash University, Notting Hill, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lana Mitchell
- L. Mitchell is with the School of Allied Health Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Queensland, Australia
| | - Claire Palermo
- M. Blair and C. Palermo are with the Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, Monash University, Notting Hill, Victoria, Australia
| | - Simone Gibson
- S. Gibson is with the School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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Landry MJ, Bailey DA, Ervin A. You Are Not an Impostor: The Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Impostor Phenomenon. JOURNAL OF NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR 2021; 53:625-630. [PMID: 33775568 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2021.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Impostor phenomenon (IP) interferes with the desire for taking advantage of career opportunities and pursuing career advancement. There is robust literature describing the effects of IP in other health care professions, yet an absence of research exists on IP within the nutrition and dietetics profession. This perspective will explore why nutrition and dietetics professionals may experience IP, specify what might be done to mitigate the negative effects of IP, and describe future research directions. Impostorism is an understudied phenomenon that could have significant implications for the profession of nutrition and dietetics on an individual and systemic level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Landry
- Stanford Prevention Research Center, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA.
| | | | - Audrey Ervin
- Department of Counseling Psychology, Delaware Valley University, Doylestown, PA
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Morgan K, Campbell KL, Sargeant S, Reidlinger DP. Preparedness for advancing future health: a national qualitative exploration of dietetics graduates' experiences. ADVANCES IN HEALTH SCIENCES EDUCATION : THEORY AND PRACTICE 2020; 25:31-53. [PMID: 31385102 DOI: 10.1007/s10459-019-09904-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Effective health workforce preparation is critical to the health of those who stand to benefit from its services. Emerging dietitians can provide important insights on an evolving workforce that is well-placed to advance future global health. This study aimed to explore a national sample of dietetics graduates' experiences of, and challenges faced in, dietetics workforce preparation and preparedness in Australia. An interpretive description methodology guided this study whereby researchers interpreted the meanings that participants attributed to their experiences. Twenty dietitians (graduated within the last 2 years) were purposively sampled from across Australia and detailed insights were obtained through semi-structured interviews. A multi-analyst approach employing thematic and template analysis, enabled five themes to be identified across the data set. These included: (1) being held back; (2) chasing the prize; (3) valuing real learning; (4) easing the transition; and (5) encountering influencers. While graduates appreciated their preparation, they were not empowered or equipped to embrace opportunities in diverse and emerging areas of dietetics practice. Graduates were challenged by the competitive landscape of securing obvious job opportunities and by a lack of support in transitioning into the workforce. Practice exposures and encounters with influential dietitians were highly valued. Research on role-emerging dietetics placements along with enhanced support mechanisms for novice dietitians is urgently required to ensure appropriate alignment between future dietetics preparation and practice. Obtaining insights into health professional graduates' experiences of their education can be used to ensure that emerging health workforces are relevant and responsive to future market needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Morgan
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, QLD, 4226, Australia.
| | - Katrina L Campbell
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, QLD, 4226, Australia
| | - Sally Sargeant
- School of Health and Human Sciences, Southern Cross University, Coolangatta, Australia
| | - Dianne P Reidlinger
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, QLD, 4226, Australia
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