Happened to see an interesting thread with some opposing views on RD salaries and the idea that we're allowing 'green' RDs to get into specialty areas too soon, hence decreasing pay.

I have some thoughts...

In my relatively short career I've worked in just about every clinical area there is (ICU, TPN, Med/Surgery, Obstetrics, Diabetes Ed, Renal, Oncology) to name a few. I also own a private practice where I specialize in sport nutrition.

The suggestion that any of these areas is 'easier' than another is BS. Every one is unique, challenging, and complex in it's own way, and what one of us thinks is 'hard' or 'scary' another RD can do in their sleep.

Someone who's spent the last 20 years counseling outpatients would be just as lost trying to keep up during ICU rounds as a brand new grad, and I'd pay to see a 20-year career ICU RD counsel a high school athlete on pre and post workout meals.

In short, stop putting certain areas on a pedestal and making it seem like others are a walk in the park. All RD work is worthy and deserves respect.