Lutheran offers the services of a Registered Dietitian (RD) to assist and educate patients with their nutritional needs. If you need a special diet, one of our dietitians will speak with you. If you would like to speak to an RD, please ask your nurse to set up a meeting. We also offer meals based on cultural, religious, or personal nutritional preferences which includes vegetarian, kosher, Halal, as well as Latino and Asian meals.
A Registered Dietitian is a trained health professional who plays a vital role in the health care team by providing nutritional care to patients in various disease states and conditions. Compromised nutrition in a hospital setting can lead to slow healing and recovery and may extend hospital stays.
Registered dietitians monitor, assess and optimize nutrition status based on the patient's current medical condition and/or nutrition adequacy. They talk with physicians and other health care professionals to coordinate medical and nutritional needs, and they make recommendations for tube and intravenous feedings and/or dietary supplements. RD's teach patients how to make nutritionally sound food choices to speed the recovery process, prevent disease and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
