preparing for reentry: handling career interruptions
TRANSCRIPT
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practice applicationsBUSINESS OF DIETETICS
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areer interruptions, whether un-expected or planned, can pose adifficult challenge for dietetics
rofessionals looking to reenter theorkforce after significant time spentway. This can be a frustrating,tressful experience, but, as with anyhallenge, with the right preparationnd the necessary tools, career reen-ry can be achieved. In many cases, aeturn to dietetics after a career in-erruption can even provide entirelyew opportunities.The first step in successfully reen-
ering the workforce is preparation.ven a sudden, unplanned career in-
erruption can be handled effectivelyith the right plan in place. Long be-
ore leaving any position, a dieteticsrofessional should begin cultivatingelationships with peers and cowork-rs that will extend beyond the cur-ent workplace (1). During a careernterruption, a network of such con-acts provides a link to the profession,ffering news of the field and connec-ions to employment opportunities. Aaried group of contacts can providedvice and ideas from a fresh perspec-ive and open up possibilities thatay otherwise have gone unexplored.Cindy Heroux, RD, an author andellness consultant in Oviedo, FL,
pent 11 years away from dietetics.he explained that business associ-tes in other wellness fields were veryelpful in her career reentry process,nd that, “Networking with other pro-essionals in a variety of fields helpede evolve and expand my business to
nclude all that it does now.” Janet V.oss, RD, a clinical nutrition man-ger in Cincinnati, OH, stressed themportance of keeping an open mindo the new and different possibilitiesontacts across the entire spectrum ofhe health and wellness field mayuggest. She advised anyone return-ng from a career interruption to,
This article was written by RyanLipscomb, department editorwith the Journal, Chicago, IL.
gdoi: 10.1016/j.jada.2005.01.021
2005 by the American Dietetic Associat
Network with others in the field,ven if it’s not ‘your end’ of the field. Iever would have thought I wouldnd up as a clinical nutrition man-ger. My contacts helped.”One of the best ways to establish
nd maintain contacts is through pro-essional associations at the local, re-ional, and national levels. Themerican Dietetic Association (ADA)nd its affiliates offer a variety of re-ources and opportunities to stay in-olved with the profession while one’sareer is on hold. Membership inhese associations is a link to the pro-ession and to colleagues that doesn’tequire the time commitment of full-ime employment, an important fac-or for dietetics professionals whoave taken a break from their careerso raise children or pursue other in-erests or obligations. Dr Lynne King-orn of AtHomeMothers.com advisesnyone trying to keep career skillsp-to-date while at home to not onlyaintain membership in a profes-
ional organization, but “to maintainour involvement by attending meet-ngs or perhaps serving on a commit-ee” (2).
Cynthia Cadieux, PhD, RD, a pro-essor in the Department of Healthciences at James Madison Univer-ity in Harrisonburg, VA, explainedow her association membershipelped her stay current with the fieldf dietetics during the 3 years shepent raising her young children:Not only did I maintain my member-hip with ADA and thus the Virginiaietetic Association and Tidewaterietetic Association, I was able to
ake on board positions during thisime and serve without the stress ofob responsibilities.” She added, “I feltike I stayed connected and up-to-ate.” Christine Palumbo, RD, ofaperville, IL also found staying in-olved with the ADA and her localssociation to be extremely helpful iner efforts to reenter the dieteticsrofession. “Being able to participaten committees, the House of Dele-
ates, and other volunteer work pro- pion Journa
ided leadership, speaking, and writ-ng skills, and helped me makeonnections with people who eventu-lly hired.”Dietetic practice groups (DPGs) of-
er another avenue for maintainingnvolvement with dietetics and keep-ng knowledge of the profession cur-ent. While local and regional dieteticssociations bring people togetherlong geographical lines, DPGs drawietetics professionals according toheir professional interests by focus-ng on a particular aspect of dieteticsractice. Like associations, DPGs of-er opportunities to stay active in therofession by volunteering to fill lead-rship positions and serve on commit-ees. (For more information on DPGs,o to: www.eatright.org/Public/index_040.cfm.). Cheryl Winter, MS, RD,N of HealthSteps Rx, Inc in Floweround, TX, calls it “a non-intimidat-
ng way to become reoriented to therofession.” Most DPGs also offerewsletters and e-mail listservs thatllow dietetics professionals withommon interests to share knowledgend exchange ideas. “The greatestenefit for me was joining the e-mailists,” said Julie Beyer, RD, of Nutra-onsults in Auburn Hill, MI. “Through
he DPGs and lists I have access toome of the most forward-thinking di-titians in the US. Many of these gra-ious people have shared their wis-om and have been very encouragings I reinvent myself as a nutritionommunicator.” Charlotte Hayes,S, RD, CDE, of Atlanta, GA, became
nvolved with the Diabetes Care andducation DPG newsletter, “On theutting Edge.” “As editor of ‘On theutting Edge,’ then communicationsoordinator, I was in a position thatequired me to stay abreast of dietet-cs and diabetes care. I was able totrengthen professional networks on
national as well as a local level.”hese lists and newsletters are valu-ble not only for the knowledge theyffer, but also for the opportunity toost or publish, allowing dietetics
rofessionals to gain recognition forl of the AMERICAN DIETETIC ASSOCIATION 341
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BUSINESS OF DIETETICS
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heir ideas even when they are notmployed in the field.DPG newsletters and listservs are
ust a part of the professional dis-ourse in which dietetics profession-ls can take part. Professional andcientific journals, such as the Jour-al of the American Dietetic Associa-ion, also offer a wealth of informationn current research and dieteticsractice. Kinghorn encourages any-ne experiencing a career interrup-ion to maintain subscriptions to jour-als and newsletters. “These providehe most current information in anyusiness. If anything, you will proba-ly find that you actually read moren them than you did when you weremployed. When you run across anrticle that rings your professionalell, take the time to write or call theuthor to express your appreciationr even dissent—this is networkingn the grander scale, and with the
biggies’ in your field” (2). The Journalf the American Dietetic Associationlso provides continuing professionalducation (CPE) articles everyonth, allowing dietetics profession-
ls to earn up to 4 hours of CPE creditor keeping up with the latest re-earch in the field. Beginning withhe March 2005 Journal, CPE credits provided at no cost to ADA mem-ers, a cost-effective asset for dietet-cs professionals experiencing a ca-eer interruption. This service is alsoffered on the ADA’s Web site,ww.eatright.org, along with infor-ation about other opportunities to
btain continuing education credit,ncluding conferences, workshops,ebcasts, webinars, teleseminars,
elf-study guides, and audiotapes.For dietetics professionals who feel
s though they may need to audit oretake undergraduate dieteticsourses before reentering the work-orce, the ADA Web site provides aCareers and Students” section atww.eatright.org/Public/Careers/
4.cfm that includes a listing of die-etics education programs accreditedr approved by the Commission onccreditation for Dietetics Education
CADE). Those seeking an advancedegree can access a listing of ad-anced degree programs from theontinuing Education section of theDA Web site at www.eatright.org/ublic/94_13288.cfm. Lastly, dieteticsrofessionals who have let their reg-
stration slip during a career inter- w42 March 2005 Volume 105 Number 3
uption may obtain a study guide forhe registration examination for die-itians published by the Commissionn Dietetic Registration (CDR) atww.cdrnet.org/products/index.htm.Community colleges, adult educa-
ion programs, and public librariesrovide another way to continuene’s professional development dur-ng a career interruption, accordingo Kinghorn. “This is an opportunityo maintain or upgrade skills, or tobtain additional education in areashat will make you more employ-ble” (2). In addition to efforts spe-ifically aimed at staying currentith the dietetics profession, those
ooking to reenter the workforceust also keep more general skillsp to date. Many dietetics profes-ionals mention the need to updateheir computer skills and gain fa-iliarity with new software to meet
he demands of a new workplace.ocal programs often provide theerfect opportunity to develop thosekills.Newfound computer skills can be
ut to good use at the ADA Web site.n addition to the aforementioned ed-cational resources, www.eatright.rg also features links to informationn every aspect of the dietetics profes-ion, from research to business ad-ice, association news to practiceips—and the ADA CareerLink, theree online job service for dieteticsrofessionals seeking new positions,hich gives ADA members access toore than 4,000 employers around
he country. The Web site even fea-ures a Career FAQ section that in-ludes a list of answers to typicaluestions posed by “career changers.”inter says, “The ADA Web site has
een an excellent resource for keep-ng up to date on position papers andeimbursement issues. There is aealth of information at our finger-
ips, making the transition easier. Af-er attending my first FNCE in 2003n San Antonio, I discovered what aabulous resource this was as well,nd a great way to become excitednd passionate about a career in nu-rition and dietetics.”
With so many resources availableo provide help throughout the reen-ry process, a dietetics professionaleed only take advantage of them inrder to turn a career interruptionnto a career opportunity. For anyone
anting to reenter the workforce,inter provides an appropriate mixf advice and encouragement: “If youre contemplating a career interrup-ion, I would definitely recommendeeping your licensure and registra-ion current. But also stay involved inour local and national organiza-ions and continue networking. Staybreast, as much as possible, of yourpecialty areas, and even consider aosition that only requires a minimalmount of your time per month, ifossible. When returning to the work-orce, be confident in your abilities. Its easy to start to doubt yourself, butraduating in this field is really anccomplishment. We have a strongoundation that really does stay withs. Yes, ‘if you don’t use it, you lose it,’ut ‘get right back up on that horse’nd continue the journey. No one ex-ects you to know everything rightow, and in time, you will be back inhe swing of things. Hang in there!”
eferences. Wilson M. Coming Back After Ca-
reer Interruptions. PT—Magazineof Physical Therapy. 2002;10(2).Available at: http://www.apta.org/PTmagazine/Current_Issue?&id[1]�20756. Accessed October 19, 2004.
. Kinghorn L. How to keep your ca-reer skills up-to-date at home.Available at: http://www.athomemothers.com/infoguides/41a.htm.Accessed October 11, 2004.