September NvAND Spotlight

Nicole Bustamante, RDN, LD works as the Manager of Clinical Nutrition at Renown Health in Reno, Nevada. Nicole was nominated for this month’s member spotlight because she is the clinical nutrition manager of a large hospital and has been very focused on understanding and working to implement order writing privileges at her facility in addition to being active in attending NvAND events. She is described as proactive, detailed, and responsible.

Nicole has been an RD since 2008 after graduating from University of Nevada-Reno. Nicole has been a member of NvAND since 2008. She was the Northern NvAND president from 2009-2011. She reports being a board member was a great experience and her favorite part was participating in networking events.

Nicole began her management role at Renown in 2015 when she became a supervisor and then a manager. She currently manages 42 employees.

She feels she makes a difference as a dietitian because nutrition is one of the few things in the hospital setting that can provide patients with comfort. “Through a warm meal or a friendly education, we can hopefully make a difference during their stay.”

Adaptability is one of the most important skills Nicole has developed and continues to work on. She may think her day is going to go one way but many times has to be flexible as the day unfolds in a different direction.

Renown Health is currently going through the process of allowing dietitians order writing privileges. Nicole says this has been the most rewarding experience she has had because it shows how important dietitians are to the medical team and providing care to the patient. Nicole is working with a host of other disciplines to push this initiative forward, not only for dietitian privileges but for other discipline writing privileges in the hospital as well.

In her spare time, Nicole likes to work on various craft projects, be outdoors, and spend time with her husband and dog at a lake or hiking.
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​Question of the month:  What is one food you keep typing to like but just can’t?
Salmon. Nicole tries to eat it but it is never something she looks forward to.

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