During my placement at a public health centre, I found that community programmes could change eating habits for many people at once. The UK has a clear framework for public health nutrition and a professional register that sets standards for evidence-based practice. To prepare, I registered with the Association for Nutrition as an Associate Nutritionist and studied UK guidance such as the Eatwell Guide. I would like to develop my skills in this team and work towards becoming a Registered Nutritionist in public health.

In my placement at a hospital food service, an older patient on a low-salt diet kept asking for extra sauce (Situation). My task was to explain why the diet mattered without upsetting him (Task). I first asked what he usually ate at home, then used his favourite dishes as examples and showed him a simple picture of salt amounts. I asked him to tell me in his own words what he would change (Action). He chose two changes himself, and the ward staff told me he complained less about his meals afterwards. I learned that checking understanding is as important as giving information (Result).

I would explain kindly that a diet for a diagnosed kidney condition needs individual assessment, which is the role of a dietitian working with their medical team. I would not give a specific plan outside my scope. I would help them get a referral, for example by suggesting they speak to their GP, and I could share general healthy eating information that does not conflict with their treatment. I would also record the conversation according to the service's policy.