Hi Reader!

There’s a quiet skill that often gets overlooked in healthcare—and it's not a certification or a new counseling technique.

It’s the ability to say, "I don’t know."

As dietitians and healthcare providers, we are trained to be experts. Clients look to us for answers, and we want to feel prepared for anything they bring up.

But the truth is, no one knows everything—and pretending we do can actually damage trust instead of building it.

In reality, being willing to say, “I’m not sure, but I’ll find out,” shows:
✔️ Integrity
✔️ Professionalism
✔️ Respect for the client’s situation

Especially today, when clients are often bombarded with bold (and sometimes inaccurate) claims on social media, they don’t need more certainty for the sake of certainty.

They need critical thinkers. They need someone who models how to pause, fact-check, and seek out high-quality information.

A few ways to put this into practice:​
🧠 Normalize uncertainty. Let clients know that healthcare is always evolving—and that it’s okay to ask questions together.
🔎 Share your process. When you research a claim or explore a new recommendation, explain how you’re evaluating sources.
🤝 Build collaboration. “Let’s look into that together” can make the client feel respected and involved, instead of shut down.

At the end of the day, “I don’t know” isn’t a weakness.
It’s an invitation: to stay curious, to build trust, and to practice evidence-based care—together.

I'd love to hear: Has there been a time when admitting you didn't know something actually strengthened a client relationship? Hit reply and let me know!

A Little Peek Behind the Scenes

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Here’s a quick clip from our first Journal Club! Just me sharing a few thoughts — hope you enjoy the glimpse into what we’re building together.

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If you’re curious about joining us for a future Journal Club session, stay tuned — I’ll be sharing updates soon!

See you next week!

Jennifer Hanes MS, RDN, LD

Fun Fruits and Vegetables: Coloring Pages for Todd ....

Hanes, Jennifer and Hanes, Alice

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