ALEXIS TRAVERS
CRITICAL CARE & NUTRITION SUPPORT
for something nutrishus
Alexis is another dietitian that found the field once in university (I too was on my way to a science degree, possibly physiology, before taking Nutrition 101). Like others, she collaborates as part of a multidisciplinary team. She is also continuing her studies with a Master's degree underway. Alexis is a Certified Dietitian (CD) in Indiana, you can find out more about state licensure from the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
Why did you become a RD?
I love and hate this question. I don’t have an amazing story that led me to dietetics, it just happens to be where I landed. I went to Purdue University attending to gain an Bachelor’s in biology, but decided I needed more human interaction in my career field. I researched the many opportunities and degrees that Purdue offered, focusing on science and healthcare. I found dietetics and fell in love with the introductory nutrition class; I knew it was the career for me.
What area of dietetics do you work in?
Clinical, specifically critical care and nutrition support in a hospital setting.
How would you explain what you do?
I am the clinical dietitian that covers the Level 1 Trauma Center and Surgical ICU of Eskenazi Health. I screen, assess, and prescribe nutritional interventions in this patient population to assist with healing after injury or surgery. Oftentimes, this includes patients on ventilator support requiring enteral nutrition.
What are your ‘typical’ daily/weekly tasks?
I perform nutrition assessments on ventilated patients and prescribe nutrition support prescriptions based on their needs daily. I also follow-up with the patients that require additional nutrition intervention after the ICU for wound healing or other needs. I also attend multidisciplinary rounds twice a week to discuss patients’ progress and disposition with members from every area of care.
What has been your career path?
I graduated from Purdue Coordinated Program in Dietetics in 2014 and moved to Indianapolis. I accepted a job at Eskenazi Health working on general medicine floors. After nine months, I was moved to critical care/surgical ICU when a position became available.
What advanced education or special training do you have?
Currently pursuing a Master’s degree in adult human nutrition.
In an ideal world, what does the industry look like 5 years from now?
Ideally, RDs will be recognized as the experts in nutrition and respected as the number one source of reliable, evidence-based nutritional information. We will remain an integral part of the healthcare team no matter our area of practice to better our patient’s lives.
More about Alexis:
LinkedIn: Alexis Travers, RD, CD
Thanks Alexis! Find out more about What RDsDo.
If you're a dietitian that would like to be featured, email me for the details!
