Past
Member Spotlight Bachelors Degree: B.S. Degree in Home Economics in area of Dietetics
Additional degrees? Currently working on Master Degree in Management from APSU
Internship: CUP Program at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Current position: Director of Food & Nutrition, Gateway Health System, Clarksville TN
Number of years in practice: 20 years
I began my career as a Clinical Dietitian at the Trauma Hospital in Corpus Christi, Texas. Then I moved back to Tennessee and went to work at Middle Tennessee Medical Center as the only Clinical Dietitian. In 1986, I joined Morrison's as an Assistant Director,then I moved to South Carolina as the Director. I relocated several times for Morrison's and completed my career with them in Alabama at Northeast Regional Medical Center. Our family wanted to move back home, so I accepted the job at Gateway and have been here almost 3 years.
I did not enjoy being a clinical dietitian; I lacked those special traits needed when working one on one with patients and physicians. Management is very challenging - embracing changes - No two days are ever the same, it keeps everything very interesting and challenging. I enjoy working with the staff, the uniqueness each bring to the team.
Trying to keep the budget in check while keeping staff, patients and customers happy. The changing demands of today's staff members (very different from 15-20 years ago).
I believe e veryone needs to work at least one year as a clinical dietitian before going into management - it gives you a good base to build from (the insight you will get from the direct interaction with the patients, physicians and other hospital staff). Be flexible, be patient and never assume you know or have to know all the answers, never be afraid to admit errors, always be open to new ideas and suggestions (even if only to store for later use), network - visit as many other facilities as you can ( to see what they do well); and include your staff in your plans and implement their plans whenever possible. Don't stress the small stuff. If no one will remember it in 25 years - don't worry and just move on.
On Wednesday nights I teach the toddlers at Church. I am actively involved in the Foster Care Association as Vice President of our local group - we worked with foster children and currently have a 6 month old who has been with us since birth. I am a co-leader for our daughter's girl scout troop (currently working on their silver award) and the proud mother of Miss Tennessee Jr. Teen Cover Girl 2004-2005 & National American Miss Jr.Tenn. Cover Girl (so I believe we have some traveling in our future for this commitment). Like most Moms, my outside work time is whatever my child's activities are.
