Skills that every Registered Dietitian needs (not just nutrition knowledge!)

Being top of the class in your biochemistry module is great, but that’s not enough when it comes to communicating complex science in simple language or supporting someone to make changes to their diet after a life-changing diagnosis. Understanding the art of active listening, compassion and behaviour change are important aspects of good communication and person-centred, individualised care.

Your dietetics degree is just the start of the learning opportunities available to you. While you are on placement, take opportunities to shadow and observe communication between healthcare professionals and service users. What do you notice works well? What are the phrases and words that stand out to you that make someone feel comfortable, help to build rapport and ensure that an individual feels heard? Once you qualify, seek opportunities to attend CPD courses that will help you to advance your own communication skills.

Ensuring you know the difference between empathy and sympathy is an important component of person-centred care.[1] Empathy is supportive and compassionate.[2] It involves communicating to people in such a way that shows we appreciate their lived experience, regardless of whether we have experience of it ourselves.

Sympathy, on the other hand, creates distance and can be a block to rapport building and person-centred care.

Avoid saying ‘I understand’ or minimising the impact something might be having on someone’s life. ‘It will be ok’ or ‘don’t worry” are examples of this. Rarely did telling someone not to worry stop them from worrying.

Instead, offer the reassurance and support that is in your control and scope of practice. Sometimes just listening can be a great help. Signposting to support services or acknowledging the difficulty someone is experiencing can be very powerful.

Understanding the limitations of your skills, knowledge and experience are essential elements of your professional practice and upholding of HCPC standards.[3] They apply throughout your career (yes – even with decades of experience, sometimes you won’t have the answer).

Embrace the growth mindset. While you are a learner on placement, asking questions and seeking support when you need it will help you to develop a trusting relationship with your supervisor. They will be assured that you can attempt things on your own, safe in the knowledge that you will check in if you aren’t sure about an issue or situation. The same will go for your relationship with service users, carers and other healthcare professionals. It is better to admit that you aren’t sure than it is to give incorrect information.

Time management comes more naturally to some than others. Start by being honest with yourself about your ability to successfully manage your time and prioritise. For some learners, it might be the first time they have lived away from home and been fully responsible for their own time. Understanding how to manage your commute, timetable, leisure and downtime can be challenging if you’ve never had to do it before.

You might be a learner who is juggling competing priorities such as caring responsibilities, managing a health condition or part-time employment alongside studying.

Time management is a skill that needs to be learned and practised, just like any other. If you are feeling busy or overwhelmed with the number of tasks on your to-do list, be sure to just take a moment to notice that. If you feel like you can’t quite fit everything in, setting aside a few moments to consider the reasons for this can be enlightening.

Are you trying to do too much? Are you a perfectionist who spends way too long trying to make sure everything is just right? Or are you a procrastinator who struggles to get started or is easily distracted? Understanding what is getting in your way is the first step to getting back on track. If you feel stuck, ask for help.

Non-negotiable. Even if you are busy, stressed or tired, professionalism and upholding the standards expected of you cannot be compromised. Consider your email etiquette, how you represent yourself on social media and how you communicate with supervisors, tutors, peers and colleagues. Taking a moment before responding, before hitting send or posting, can help you maintain clarity and ensure that your behaviour and actions do not breach the professional standards expected of you.

You will undoubtedly face challenges throughout your studies, both at university and on placement. Some might be related to your learning journey; others may be external to your studies. Navigating imposter syndrome, self-doubt, health conditions and unexpected events are common issues faced by dietetic learners. Embracing imperfection, taking constructive feedback on board to improve and learn, finding time to unwind and recharge, are all ways in which the resilience muscle can be built.

This may be work in progress for you. You might feel resilient and thriving in one setting, but struggle in others. Be kind to yourself. Try to resist the temptation to compare yourself to others and ask for help if you need it. Taking a few moments to check in and consider how resilient you are feeling can be a helpful place to start.[4]

1. Jeffrey D. Empathy, sympathy and compassion in healthcare: Is there a problem? Is there a difference? Does it matter? Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, 2016. 109(12), 446–452 https://doi.org/10.1177/0141076816680120

2. Byrne M, Daly S, McCann CM, Miles A. Components of empathy: A Delphi study. Patient Education and Counseling. 2026. 144. Article 109430 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2025.109430

3. Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Guidance on conduct and ethics for students. Available from: guidance-on-conduct-and-ethics-for-students.pdf Accessed 3 February 2026

4. Smith BW, Dalen J, Wiggins K et al. The brief resilience scale: assessing the ability to bounce back. International Journal of Behavioral Medicine. 2008.15(3)194–200 https://doi.org/10.1080/10705500802222972