Feeding the Critically Ill: What Actually Works in the ICU

Feeding critically ill patients is anything but simple. Between proning, sedation, procedures, and constant interruptions, nutrition support in the ICU often falls short, despite strong evidence and best intentions.In our latest DNS Podcast episode, Christina Rollins is joined by Susy Cohen, a critical care dietitian who has led measurable improvements in enteral and parenteral nutrition through practical, protocol-driven, interdisciplinary approaches.🎙️ In this episode, we discuss:• Feeding prone patients• Early enteral nutrition for intubated patients• Rate-based feeding to improve adequacy• Collaborating with pharmacy to ensure appropriate PN useIf you work in critical care nutrition—or want strategies that actually work at the bedside—this episode is for you.🔗 Learn more at dnsdpg.org

The latest DNS Podcast episode features Anisha Chhibber, MS, RDN, CNSC, FAND, and highlights what it takes to bring indirect calorimetry from concept to clinical practice.In this episode, Christina Rollins speaks with Anisha about her mini-grant journey, implementing indirect calorimetry at her institution, developing policies and procedures, coordinating vendor and interdisciplinary training, and collaborating with respiratory therapy to educate staff. They also explore how bedside implementation can evolve into abstract submission, ongoing skill development, and future research—particularly in the surgical ICU population.This conversation showcases how dietitians lead meaningful, sustainable change through education, collaboration, and practice-based innovation.🔗 Learn more at dnsdpg.org

Stem cell transplant patients face significant GI challenges that make nutrition support complex—and critical. In this episode, I’m joined by Katie Harper, MS, RD, CNSC, an expert in oncology and blood and marrow transplant nutrition, to break down best practices for transitioning patients from parenteral nutrition (PN) to enteral nutrition (EN).We cover:• When nutrition support is needed during transplant• Key challenges with PN• How to assess readiness for EN• Practical strategies for successful PN-to-EN transitions• The importance of interdisciplinary collaborationA must-listen for dietitians and clinicians supporting stem cell transplant patients.🎧 Listen now and join the conversation.

Malnutrition in hospitalized patients is common, costly, and often missed—especially in those with complex disease states. In this episode, we take a clinically focused look at how dietitians can better identify malnutrition in liver disease and why early, accurate diagnosis matters for patient outcomes.Our guest is Dr. Janette Hasse, a nationally recognized expert in critical care and transplant nutrition, FNCE presenter, longtime Editor-in-Chief of Nutrition in Clinical Practice, award-winning clinician, and leader of a large transplant nutrition team. With more than four decades of experience, she breaks down the evidence and real-world considerations shaping malnutrition diagnosis today.We discuss:✔ Why patients with liver disease are uniquely vulnerable to malnutrition✔ Limitations of traditional assessment methods in complex populations✔ The emerging role of CT imaging for body composition analysis✔ How updated GLIM criteria and terminology changes are impacting practice✔ Confusion around using AAIM vs GLIM and how clinicians can navigate both✔ Practical documentation strategies for care and reimbursement✔ Actionable clinical pearls for bedside dietitiansWhether you work inpatient, outpatient, transplant, GI, or critical care, this episode offers insight into how dietitians can strengthen the diagnostic process and advocate for better nutrition care.Listen now and access additional resources at dnsdpg.org.

Disclosure: Brittney Patterson is employed by HealthLeap, an AI Malnutrition start-up. Have you ever wondered how artificial intelligence is changing the way dietitians work in hospitals and critical care? In this episode of the DNS Podcast, host Christina Rollins sits down with Brittney Patterson, MS, RD-AP, CNSC, a seasoned clinician and nutrition informatics expert.Brittney shares her decade-plus experience in critical care and nutrition support, and how she now helps dietitians harness AI and EHR data to:Quickly identify and prioritize malnourished patientsStreamline workflows for faster, safer careEnhance clinical decision-making without replacing the dietitian’s expertiseFrom her innovative work at Stanford Health Care to her role at HealthLeap, Brittney bridges the gap between clinical practice and cutting-edge technology, showing how AI can truly empower dietitians and improve patient outcomes.Whether you’re a dietitian curious about informatics, a healthcare professional navigating AI integration, or simply fascinated by the future of clinical nutrition, this episode is packed with insights, real-world examples, and practical takeaways.Continue learning today at www.dnsdpg.org!

Where do our evidence-based guidelines actually come from? In this episode, Christina Rollins sits down with researcher and educator Dr. Amy Ellis to unpack the real process behind developing EAL and ASPEN guidelines.You’ll hear:🔍 How evidence is gathered, graded, and translated into clinical recommendations⚠️ The challenges of conducting nutrition research—especially when RCTs aren’t feasible in critical care🧠 Practical tips for evaluating research articles🚩 How to spot predatory journals before they mislead your practiceIf you’ve ever wondered how to bridge the gap between research and clinical decision-making, this episode is for you.Visit dnsdpg.org to access a ton of nutrition support related resources, network with clinicians across the globe, and apply for funding to support your next great research project!

Hands-on training is transforming how dietitians learn and lead in nutrition support. Join host Christina Rollins as she talks with Jeanna Rich, RD, CSO and Gabrielle Haskell, MS, RD, LDN from OSF Cancer Institute, who share how they developed an interactive Enteral Nutrition Skills Lab to strengthen real-world enteral nutrition skills, boost collaboration, and improve patient care.Continue learning at dnsdpg.org. Be sure to check out Gabby and Jeanna at the Illinois Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Spring Symposium on March 20 - 21, 2026. Registration is open at https://www.eatrightillinois.org/annual-spring-assembly.

Bone mineral disorder is one of the most challenging complications of chronic kidney disease, impacting bone strength, mineral balance, and even cardiovascular health. Nutrition plays a critical role in managing this condition — but the complexity of treatment often requires a skilled, multidisciplinary approach.In this episode, host Christina Rollins talks with Sarah Gilbert, MS, RD, LD, a renal nutrition expert and Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of New England, about the dietitian’s role in managing bone mineral disorder in CKD.They explore:🧠 How bone mineral disorder develops and why it matters🥛 The interplay of phosphorus, calcium, and vitamin D in patient outcomes💊 Strategies for phosphorus control and binder adherence🍗 Balancing protein needs with mineral management❤️ Practical education approaches for patients with multiple comorbiditiesThis conversation highlights how nutrition professionals can make a meaningful difference in patient outcomes through evidence-based, individualized care.

Gastrointestinal complications are common—but often underrecognized—after lung transplantation. From diarrhea and nausea to malabsorption and poor appetite, these challenges can seriously impact recovery and long-term health outcomes.In this episode of the DNS Podcast, host Christina Rollins speaks with Bridget Doyle, MS, RD, LDN, CNSC, a transplant dietitian specializing in lung transplant nutrition. Bridget shares her expertise on identifying, managing, and supporting patients through complex GI issues post-transplant.Listeners will gain insights on:✅ The most frequent GI complications following lung transplant✅ How medications like immunosuppressants and antibiotics affect digestion✅ Practical nutrition strategies for diarrhea, nausea, and poor intake✅ Food safety guidance for immunocompromised patients✅ When to consider enteral or parenteral nutrition support✅ Key labs and nutrients to monitor for optimal recoveryTune in to hear evidence-based strategies for improving GI health and supporting successful long-term outcomes for transplant recipients. Visit us at dnsdpg.org to learn more.

Patients with malabsorptive conditions—like short bowel syndrome, bariatric surgery, or chronic GI disorders—are at high risk for vitamin and mineral deficiencies. In this episode, Christina Rollins sits down with clinical dietitian Gabriela D. Gardner, RD-AP, CNSC, LD, to explore evidence-based strategies for assessing, supplementing, and managing micronutrients in these complex patients. Gabriela shares practical tips for monitoring lab values, navigating product selection, and helping patients manage multiple supplements without feeling overwhelmed. Whether you’re a dietitian, clinician, or healthcare professional, this episode offers actionable insights to optimize patient care and improve outcomes.Listen now and learn how to confidently support patients with malabsorptive conditions.🔗 dnsdpg.orgThis epsiode was recorded on 10/5/2025 and is hosted by Christina Rollins, MBA, MS, RDN, LDN, FAND, CNSC.