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- Title
Employment and education experience of dietetic graduates from 2015-2020.
- Authors
Caswell, S.; Hanning, R.; Lieffers, J.; Wojcik, J.; Buccino, J.; Eisenbraun, C.
- Abstract
Introduction: Canadian dietetic educators have been calling for workforce planning and reporting. Information on career paths and program satisfaction of dietetic graduates can identify trends and emerging practice areas, support recruitment, enhance education, training and continuing education programs, and inform advocacy. Objectives: Graduates qualified to write the Canadian Dietetic Registration Exam or be licenced by the Ordre professional des diététistes du Québec from 2015-2020 were surveyed to describe: (i) employment paths; (ii) their first and current dietitian positions; (iii) satisfaction with dietetic education and training; and, (iv) perceived impacts of COVID-19 on employment. Methods: A web-based survey was developed, piloted in 2019, updated to reflect national programming, the impact of COVID-19, and translated into French. Respondents were recruited via Canadian training programs, social media, and Dietitians of Canada newsletters from June--October 2020. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Of the 624 respondents, 76% were employed as dietitians at the time of the survey and most (75%) had obtained employment as a dietitian within 12 mo following training completion. The top roles for first dietitian positions were acute care hospital/in-patient (36%), long-term care (15%), and health care teams (11%). In addition, 26% had secondary dietitian positions with a different employer. The average length of first dietitian positions was 14 mo; however, 29% changed primary positions within the first 12 mo following dietetic training. In total, 71% were satisfied/very satisfied with their academic and practicum training. Areas with lower satisfaction included cultural competence and financial management. Most respondents felt they had knowledge and skills (89%) and opportunity (78%) to advance their dietetic career. COVID-19 affected the employment search of 34% and current employment of 44% of respondents. Conclusions: Survey results indicate a positive outlook for new dietitian graduates. However, COVID-19 profoundly affected many recent graduates. While graduates expressed overall satisfaction with their dietetic training, more in-depth training in cultural competence and financial/business skills would be valued. Significance: The findings have importance for recent graduates, students considering entering dietetics, educators and employers. Data from this survey provides opportunity for comparison between regions and may serve as a baseline for future surveys. Funded by: Dietitians of Canada.
- Subjects
CANADA; WORK experience (Employment); PILOT projects; STRATEGIC planning; VOCATIONAL guidance; COVID-19; DIETITIANS of Canada; PROFESSIONS; DIETETICS education; TIME; PROFESSIONAL employee training; DIETITIANS' attitudes; SOCIAL media; EMPLOYEE recruitment; CONSUMER attitudes; LABOR supply; CONTINUING medical education; SURVEYS; ABILITY; TRAINING; COMPARATIVE studies; EMPLOYMENT; GRADUATE education; CONSUMER activism; DESCRIPTIVE statistics; CRITICAL care medicine; HEALTH care teams; CULTURAL competence; RESEARCH funding; FINANCIAL management; NEWSLETTERS; EDUCATIONAL attainment; CUSTOMER satisfaction; MEDICAL education
- Publication
Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice & Research, 2021, Vol 82, Issue 3, p145
- ISSN
1486-3847
- Publication type
Article