Melissa Altman-Traub
Adjunct Instructor of Nutrition
"I think anyone working in health care needs to understand the extent that Americans' diet and lifestyle habits have affected the risk for chronic diseases, which are the major cause of death today."
Degrees Held:
- MS in Health Education – Arcadia University
- BS in Nutrition – Pennsylvania State University, 1991
Career Highlights:
Before becoming a full-time instructor, I worked as a clinical dietitian in a variety of settings including hospitals and long-term care facilities. Then I specialized in nutritional care of patients receiving dialysis.
Which online degree program(s) do you teach?
Which classes do you teach online?
Nutrition 165
How does this course help BSN students?
Students will learn the basics of nutrition and how to discern if nutrition information is reliable. This will help them as they continue their studies in the treatment and prevention of disease. In clinical settings, they will learn to screen patients for nutrition risks and work with registered dietitian nutritionists in supporting nutrition plans.
Why did you start teaching?
An opportunity came up early in my career to teach a night class while I worked as a clinical dietitian during the day. I really enjoyed it, despite spending late nights preparing overhead transparencies! The evening students were very motivated and a pleasure to teach.
What advice would you give to those considering the online RN to BSN program?
For any online students, I think it is important to be organized. Keep track of exams and assignment due dates ideally on a paper calendar. Plan time to work on assignments and study each day if possible.
Why are you interested in nutrition? What drew you to this field?
I changed my major to nutrition after a one-credit course in my first semester, which I really loved. The field includes my interests in biology and cooking.
What do you think is the biggest challenge that nurses face today?
I think anyone working in health care needs to understand the extent that Americans' diet and lifestyle habits have affected the risk for chronic diseases, which are the major cause of death today.
Tell us something interesting about yourself that your students may not know.
I volunteer at a cat shelter regularly and co-lead a cat club for kids.