Organisation: The University of Newcastle
Job Title: Associate Lecturer/ Lecturer Nutrition and Dietetics
Word Limit: 4 pages maximum
Location: Department of Rural Health, Port Macquarie
Essential Criteria
A recognised degree and/or PhD in nutrition and dietetics or related discipline
I completed a Master of Science (Nutrition Dietetics and Exercise Rehabilitation) through the University of Wollongong in 2010. I graduated with distinction and was awarded the most outstanding student by Dietitians Association, New South Wales branch.
Experience in teaching and student supervision
I thoroughly enjoy being able to teach upcoming dietitians and readily volunteer for any opportunity to provide mentoring and support. For example, I have previously provided one-on-one tutoring and mentoring services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health science students through AIME.
AIME is an educational program that is proven to give Indigenous students the skills, opportunities, belief and confidence to grow and succeed. While providing mentoring and tutoring to these students, I followed the student centred approach, allowing the program to be student driven. I would meet with them and we would discuss where they were up to within their course, whether they were on track with everything, and if there was a specific area they needed help with. This could be anything from assignments to understanding lecture notes or learning anatomy.
One student I taught had failed level one anatomy on three previous occasions. Because this was her fourth attempt, I worked with her by quizzing her on anatomy, creating flash cards, and using different acronyms to remember the different parts of the human body. The result of this engagement was that she successfully passed anatomy and was able to progress her studies.
I thoroughly enjoy teaching and thrive on passing on knowledge and valuable experience to upcoming students. Additional experience in teaching and supervision I have gained through both past and present positions includes:
- Providing teaching in a number of settings, including educating school classes on healthy eating topics, educating children regarding carbohydrate counting at T1DM camp, and educating Indigenous health workers on nutrition for chronic disease
- Mentoring and supervision of newly graduated Dietitians within the company. I provided support through regular meetings both in person and via phone/skype regarding a large variety of topics, including difficult clinical pathologies, communication techniques, appropriate report writing, and the practical workings of private practice
- Regularly providing supervision to medical students during their Aboriginal Health Placement in my role as a contract Dietitian at the Durri Aboriginal Corporation Medical Centre
- Implementing a continuing education program for Dietitians within the larger Vital Health Australia Company
Registration or membership (as applicable) with the relevant regulatory organisation
I am an Accredited Practicing Dietitian with full membership with the Dietitians Association of Australia, member number 09-145.
A minimum of two years of relevant post-graduate practitioner experience
To perform this role well, to mentor students and to organise suitable practicum placements conducive to learning, you need to have sound knowledge and experience in both assessment and provision of nutritional therapy to patients across a wide variety of clinical areas; and experience in and understanding of, the varied roles of a dietitian.
My five years of extensive experience has equipped me with the necessary skills and experience for this role. I have provided care in different scopes of work, have experience working in Aboriginal medical centres and nursing homes, and have consulted one-on-one in private practice.
Knowing that the students will be in the last six months of university and trying to determine the area they want to specialise in, I would be able to provide them with first-hand practical knowledge of my experiences. I have worked in a number of regional locations, know the job roles and the health system in this area, and I would be able to share this knowledge with students.
I currently work in four separate clinics, Kempsey Medical Centre, Port Lapsurgery, Werin Aboriginal Medical Centre, and Durri Aboriginal Corporation Medical Centre. At these clinics I work with patients referred for a variety of clinical reasons, including chronic disease management (diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease), gastrointestinal disorders (coeliac disease, IBS), food allergies and intolerances, pre and post-surgery (adjustable gastric bands, vertical sleeve gastrectomy, bypass surgery, fundoplication’s, hernia repair), paediatric, child health, prenatal nutrition, and malnutrition.
I have provided Dietetic services within the wider community, including nutritional presentations to mining companies, allergy and intolerance workshops with child-care facilities, educating boarding school kitchen staff on coeliac disease, sports nutrition presentations to local sporting groups, and delivering education about diabetes at a type 1 diabetes camp.
This experience has enabled me to develop excellent communication skills and an extensive knowledge of how to assist patients to develop achievable and realistic strategies. I consider my patients holistically, considering issues such as culture, socio-economic status, depth of support network, level of mobility and functioning, and quality of life.
This broad range of knowledge in both patient care and education will assist me in building a solid foundation for student learning and prepare them for working within the field of nutrition and dietetics.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
I believe the basis of good communication is the ability to both send and receive written and oral messages in a clear, concise, courteous and accurate manner. I possess excellent communication skills, proven by my ability to listen attentively, speak clearly, write concisely, and compile well-researched and factual information in a structured and direct manner.
In 2015, I received training in “The ‘Non-Diet Approach’ and Advanced Counselling for Dietitians” which provided me with further education and skills to implement when speaking with patients. Developing my listening and communication skills enabled me to get more out of each consultation. I am able to ask different targeted questions, knowing when to take appropriate pauses and use non-verbal cues. Concerning listening, I was provided with an alternative approach where I now run my consultations in a client-focused manner, enabling the client to direct the conversation. Implementing these strategies and techniques has resulted in obtaining better clinical outcomes, returned attendance, and the patients are getting more from the consultation. This illustrates how the health care field is evolving and I would be able to share this approach with students.
Demonstrated ability to effectively work independently and as a member of a multidisciplinary team
Throughout my career, I have demonstrated the ability to work in a team-based environment, and I understand the importance of a cohesive team within a professional and efficient workplace. My positions at Durri Aboriginal Medical Centre and Kempsey Medical Centre, demonstrate my ability to work effectively and independently, as well as a valuable, hardworking member of a multidisciplinary team.
I recognise that there are several crucial elements of a well-functioning team, such as effective communication, a unified purpose, clear goals and objectives, awareness of rights and responsibilities, honesty, accountability, time management, organisational skills and motivation, and I exhibit these values in my roles. I personally enjoy working in teams, because I am able to share my own experience and knowledge with other people, and gain from them also. There is great personal satisfaction in working towards common goals with other people and seeing the output from our combined efforts. I am an advocate for teamwork, and this has been demonstrated throughout my career.
Although work is discussed as a team, the major part of my working day is spent alone. I conduct all consultations as an individual and will refer some to other health care providers as required. For example, an endocrinologist referred a patient to me with Type Two Diabetes who had recently started insulin therapy. My initial appointment involved providing an assessment, diagnosis and nutrition plan; however, throughout the consultation I identified he had a poor understanding of insulin administration and was not testing his blood sugar levels correctly. Once he admitted to not having a full understanding of what he was required to do, I contacted the diabetes educator to provide education on insulin. I continued to liaise with the diabetes educator to enable us to streamline our education and treatment in following visits.
Current driver’s licence
I have a current NSW class C driver’s licence.
Knowledge of, and experience in adhering to workplace policies and procedures in the areas of work health safety, equity, diversity and promoting a respectful workplace culture
I am fully aware of the principles, policies and procedures in the areas of work health safety, equity, diversity, and promoting a respectful workplace culture. I am committed to a workplace that is equitable and fair, that treats its employees based on their merits, and is free from discrimination and harassment. Whilst working at Durri Aboriginal Medical Centre, I was required to undertake cultural awareness and safety training.
Equity refers to that which is fair and just, and the ideal behind equity is to give everyone a ‘fair go’. Diversity acknowledges that everyone is different and aims to create an inclusive environment that respects, values and uses the contributions of people of different backgrounds, experiences and perspective. Safety in the workplace is the responsibility of everyone and means ensuring no one is compromised through preventable injury, illness or incident. For example, I encountered a situation where a sharps container was not in the right location and the lid was open. Upon identification, I reported this to the responsible officer for rectification.
My knowledge is successfully translated into practice. I work in a way that promotes equity and diversity by adhering to ethical principles and maintaining high levels of integrity. I am not afraid to stand up against what I believe is wrong, and I endeavour to ensure that everyone is treated with respect, courtesy, and without harassment. I maintain appropriate confidentiality, and avoid conflicts of interest.
Desirable Criteria
Experience in research
Whilst undertaking my Masters qualification I undertook a research project with the aim of comparing ‘everyday style’ mid-meal snacks to oral nutrition supplements in terms of cost, nutritional value, and patient preference for long-stay patients on high-energy, high-protein diets. I worked alongside a dietitian in the university and a dietitian at Concord Repatriation General Hospital. My methods involved an expansive search of the literature and sourcing unpublished research, followed by a statistical analysis of the data obtained.
The research findings supported that there was similar nutritional value and cost for both options and identified that patients preferred the oral nutrition supplements. I collated my research into a well-written research article, which was submitted to Nutrition and Dietetics Journal and a poster was presented at the 2010 Dietitians Association of Australia Conference in Melbourne.
Knowledge of and experience in rural, remote and Indigenous health issues
I grew up in a rural environment and have lived in remote Indigenous communities. In my previous role, I worked with outreach, travelling extensively to rural and remote communities, and I currently work in Kempsey with two Aboriginal medical centres. I am aware of remote and Indigenous health issues, including low socio-economic status, poorer health and health outcomes, and poorer access to health care.
Indigenous people in these environments have poor access to fresh, healthy food, so I have had to modify my advice to suit the situation they are in. This includes using an appropriate healthy option such as frozen vegetables instead of fresh vegetables when the first choice is not available.
At the Durri Medical Centre we provide a weekly bus service to patients from a town outside of Kempsey, to enable them to utilise all services during the one visit. With this clientele, I have to modify my standard advice and come up with creative ideas to allow them to eat more healthily. For example, I work with them on appropriate meal planning so they do not run out of healthy choices before their next shopping trip, supporting the use of frozen vegetables and the use of wholemeal flour instead of white. Providing these ideas has resulted in improved health conditions, improved nutrition, and the ability to control their medical conditions better. For instance, people who originally had very high blood sugar levels now have sugar levels in appropriate ranges.
