Barbara Joines, MS, RD, LDN

Undergraduate: University of Kentucky, BS, Accounting

Graduate: Middle Tennessee State University MS, Human Sciences

Internship: Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Current Position: Clinical Nutrition Manager, Gateway Health System

Number of Years in Practice: 3

Would you share with the readers what your current job responsibilities are?

I manage the clinical nutrition services and patient services at a medium-sized community hospital. My position has offered a lot of new challenges for me this past year with the new Medicare act, a JCAHO survey, and implementation of a hospitality patient services program. I also coordinate our department's Performance Improvement program, which really allows me to see progress and outcomes of change. Overall, I've really enjoyed working with a diverse group of people within the department and the hospital.

Formerly, you were in the accounting profession. What prompted you to consider a career change and what factors went into the decision-making process?

My job as an accountant was just that, a job. I really wanted to spend my working hours with something I was passionate about and offered more of a service component. I really enjoyed learning about health issues and decided to go back and take some classes. When I took my first nutrition class I was hooked!

What advice would you offer to someone contemplating a career change?

I would suggest to anyone to follow their dreams. If they are not sure what those dreams are, just look for things you enjoy reading about and hobbies you like doing. Good books that are helpful in assessing yourself are What Color Is My Parachute and A Purpose-Driven Life. The bottom line is that life is too short to be miserable at work, so find a job that stimulates you and what you're passionate about!