Happened to see an interesting thread with some opposing views on RD salaries and the idea that we& #39;re allowing & #39;green& #39; RDs to get into specialty areas too soon, hence decreasing pay.

I have some thoughts...

In my relatively short career I& #39;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 & #39;easier& #39; than another is BS. Every one is unique, challenging, and complex in it& #39;s own way, and what one of us thinks is & #39;hard& #39; or & #39;scary& #39; another RD can do in their sleep.

Someone who& #39;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& #39;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.