Pediatrics as a specialty lends itself to a distinct set of medical parameters and guidelines which are very different than those used when assessing the adult patient (pt). The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of pediatric (ped.) competency workshops for increasing the competency and reducing anxiety levels of registered dietitians (RDs) who are at times required to assess or educate a ped. pt. &/or their family. The study population included sixteen RDs. Prior to participating in ped. competency workshops, each completed a questionnaire asking them to rate their personal competency and comfort levels when performing specific tasks required of a ped. RD such as plotting growth charts, assessing energy needs, and providing nutrition education for particular disease states. Each RD attended two ped. competency workshops; and successfully completed three complex ped. case studies, one high-calorie infant formula instruction and one standard hospital formulary card. Prior to the workshop, 58% of the RDs did not feel competent to accurately assess or educate and ped. pt and 88% did not feel comfortable when assigned to peds. Post-workshop, an identical questionnaire was completed by each RD. Dramatic improvements in personal competency and comfort levels were observed in all areas. An increase of 51% was observed in those RDs who agreed they were competent to accurately assess and/or educate a ped. pt. and an increase of 76% who felt comfortable performing tasks required of a ped. RD. These results indicate that conducting ped. competency workshops is an effective method for improving the competency and comfort levels of RDs who are assigned a ped. pt. Annual ped. competency evaluation is now a part of our continuous process improvement for enhancement of pt. care.