Tag: Nutrition support nurse

Statistics show that at least one-third of hospitalized patients are malnourished upon admission, underscoring the critical need for specialized nutritional interventions. In this context, what best describes the role of the nurse on the nutrition support team? Their function is a multi-faceted one, blending clinical expertise with compassionate patient advocacy to ensure successful outcomes.

According to a study published by the Annals of Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism, Nutrition Support Nurses (NSNs) play a key role in optimizing patients' nutritional health and preventing related illnesses. This confirms that, yes, there are nurses in nutrition, often working as specialized practitioners within interdisciplinary teams.

According to the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN), nutrition support nursing is a distinct professional specialty. A nurse's role is critical in addressing patient nutritional needs, but the question remains: can nurses provide medical nutrition therapy, and to what extent can they practice independently?