Working Conditions

• Always work indoors.
• May work full time or part time.
• Must fully complete and be exact in their work. This is to protect the health of their patients.
• Have a high level of social contact. They work with patients, clients, doctors, nurses, and other health care workers.
• Sometimes wear a uniform or lab coat.
• Deal with external customers, such as patients, clients, and the public.
• Work Monday through Friday. However, nutritionists at hospitals or nursing homes may work weekends.
• Provide a service to others.
• Supervise and train workers who prepare food. They are responsible for the work done by their employees.
• Are responsible for patients' and clients' health and safety. They must be sure that patients and clients receive the right foods.
• Persuade patients to eat a better diet.

Physical Demands

• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Recognize and understand the speech of another person.
• Use hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• See difference among colors, shades, and brightness.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Move arms and legs quickly.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with the body, arms, and/or legs.
• Make fast, simple, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Stand while visiting patients or working in the kitchen. They sit at a desk while doing paperwork.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.