As a dietitian, you know that good nutrition is the key to a healthy life. Some people in our society or in other countries, through poverty or lack of education, are unable to adopt healthy eating habits, let alone enjoy nutritious food.
In many parts of the world, and indeed in Australia, medical services are stretched, and some organisations, whether they are charities or non-government organisations, simply don't have the resources to employ the services of professional, experienced dietitians full-time. Volunteering as a dietitian gives you the opportunity to contribute your expertise and services to individuals who need them most.
Opportunities to Volunteer as a Dietitian
As someone who specialises in nutrition and dietetics, you possess a thorough understanding of how therapeutic diets impact human health, which will lead you to a variety of volunteer opportunities. You can provide nutrition education in aged care facilities, community health centres or oncology centres, among others, and work with a competent healthcare team.
To find an organisation that matches or resonates with your values, think about whether you want to help out in Australia or if you would be happy volunteering for an aid organisation that focuses on developing or third world countries. Most states and territories in Australia have a peak body for volunteering, so go to their respective websites as they have a wealth of information and resources about what you can do.
Check with hospitals who may know of local organisations that may need your services, or you could check with the university where you studied. Conduct internet research on different charities as they may have volunteer opportunities listed on their website, or simply call and gauge their interest.
As a volunteer dietitian, you will most likely work with existing staff to treat patients, work out patients' nutritional requirements and broaden their understanding of nutrition so that they can make healthy food choices while taking their health condition into account. In addition to other dietetic services, you will provide dietary advice to ensure quality patient care and improved quality of life.
You will advise patients on practical ways they could improve their health and adopt healthier eating habits. Of course, it depends on the organisation and what resources they already have in place. Remember that you will need to be adaptable and always consider your safety and security.
Why Volunteer?
The definition of volunteering according to Volunteering Australia, the national peak body working to advance volunteering in the Australian community, is that it is an activity which takes place through not for profit organisations or projects and is undertaken:
- To be of benefit to the community and the volunteer
- Of the volunteer's own free will and without coercion
- For no financial payment
- In designated volunteer positions only
By definition, volunteering benefits the community and the volunteer, so it's a win-win situation. The United Nations even has an International Volunteer Day, observed on 5th December each year.
When you volunteer for food banks or other nutrition-based programs in Australia, you will gain experience in addressing a wide range of conditions that are linked to poor diet, such as heart disease, gastrointestinal disorders, food allergies, etc. Participants in voluntary work are not limited to community dietitians or dietitians who work in private practice; there are a number of student opportunities for those just graduating from college.
Working as a volunteer may help your future job prospects as it gives you valuable work experience, but remember that many organisations will want and need dietitians with current qualifications and previous experience working as a dietitian.
Originally published on Feb 25, 2011
