By Dustin Walker, ASU Practicum Student in the MEd Higher & Postsecondary Education Program
Cortney Brinkman is a young professional focused on patient health and wellness. She earned her Registered Dietetics Nutritionist credential after completing her dietetic internship with Iowa State University in 2015. She focused on nutrition in a healthcare setting with her rotation at Banner Ironwood, Banner Gateway, and Banner Anderson MD Cancer Center.
What is your current position and why did you choose this field?
I am currently working as a Corporate Dietitian for a new, small, family-owned skilled nursing company. I chose this field because I have a passion for nutrition while helping others, especially geriatric patients who have taken care of us over the last couple decades, by providing them information and resources to understand the art of eating while improving their quality of life through good nutrition practices.
What is the health and wellness field looking for when sourcing strong candidates?
Experience, knowledge and the ability to customize the plan of care to the individual which is HUGE! Telling the patient they can’t have something is not our job, creating ways to allow them to enjoy what they love in moderation is. This can be related to food, services, behavior, etc. We create PLANS to create positive outcomes by breaking down challenges or being creative.
What is the most rewarding part of your job and most challenging part?
Let’s begin with what challenges me. The challenging parts of this job are the aspects out of my control, or the uncontrollable stuff. This is different each day, but an example would be staff not showing and not understanding the consequences of their absence (i.e. patients being hungry and angry who aren’t getting the service they desperately need especially those experiencing low blood sugars, a decline in wound healing status, or infections that aren’t improving.). Another issue or challenge is the facility budget.
The most rewarding part of my job is seeing people enjoy food again especially after a stroke that left them unable to eat for months or after medications/treatments altered their taste. To see a quality of life come back under my care makes me emotional.
Advice you would give to a student coming close to graduation?
To a student in the nutrition field, I would say don’t expect to make a lot of money! But I’d let them know, WE are needed and WE are getting a voice to get recognized for the education and skills that we have acquired over the years (slowly but surely). Lastly, I tell them not to settle for less than what they think they deserve, but also never feel that you’re better than anyone else. More respect comes from those that get their hands dirty alongside their peers, than one that is just throwing papers and words at time. The dishwasher and housekeeper are what make your facility run, so appreciate them and HELP them when you can! Never forget that you are here to make the world a healthier place.
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Interviewer: Dustin Walker, ASU Practicum Student in the MEd Higher & Postsecondary Education Program