19 Questions To Ask To Rock Your First Day As A Consultant Dietitian

So, you’ve landed a new assignment as a consultant dietitian —congrats! Here’s what you need to ask so you can shine on your first day.

Before the First Day

• What’s the dress code?
• What time should I arrive?
• Where should I meet my supervisor?
• Are there any special instructions regarding parking?

On the First Day

• Where is my office or desk located? (Is this where I will be stationed?)
• How do I get to the patient units?
• What are the screening procedures? Or, how do you know which patients need to be seen?
• How soon do consults and/or nutrition risk triggers need to be completed?
• When/How soon are follow-ups scheduled?
• Do the dietitians write orders? If so, for what specifically?
• How do I contact the physicians?
• Are there patient rounds or meetings I need to attend? If so, when and where?
• Do I need to record my clinical productivity? If so, how?
• Request a copy of the enteral and parenteral formularies.
• How do I access patient education materials?
• What type of patient foodservice does the hospital have? (i.e., room service, traditional trayline, patient select menu, etc.)
• Request a copy of the patient menu and inquire about meal times.
• Take notes during your tutorial of the electronic medical record so you can work more independently in the future.

More Tips For Consultant Dietitians

Advice: Don’t Turn Down Anything!

Troubleshooting Common TPN Problems

Navigating Outpatient Reimbursement

Dietitians On Demand offers both local and travel consultant dietitian positions. Our dietitians cover a vacancy, maternity leave, vacations, FMLA or increases in census. Check out our job openings, or request your coverage today!