Clinical Dietitian - Full Time

Responsibilities:

• Provides components of care within the Registered Dietitian scope of practice for patients. Practices in accordance with the clinical standards/protocols of the Dept. of Nutrition and provides optimal nutrition care.
  Performs nutritional assessments/reassessments for patients, documenting in patient’s medical record - according to PHCS standards. Evaluates each patient’s nutritional status, degree of nutritional risk and potential problems. Makes recommendations and determines plan of care as to provide optimal nutrition for patients. Evaluates therapeutic goals for relevancy and attainability.
  Provides nutritional consultation services for a limited number of adult medical and specialty clinic patients, based upon referral and/or high-risk criteria.
  Provides patient and family education, including hand-outs and verbal instruction. Documents educational assessments, potential barriers to learning and interventions, as well as patient comprehension and compliance - according to standards. Provides specialized patient educational sessions on a topical basis, as appropriate.
  Provides follow-up for ongoing nutritional problems and intensive monitoring for high-risk patients, in collaboration with other members of the patient care team.
  Serves as a nutrition resource person for staff and physicians of the Clinic, providing consultation as requested.
  Identifies and arranges to meet nutrition knowledge needs of clinic staff, including periodic in-servicing of clinic staff on relevant topics.
  Periodically reviews and updates nutrition education materials for use with patients and families. Assures caregivers are aware of approved educational materials in stock. Orders nutrition supply items stocked for clinic patient use.
  Demonstrates growth in nutrition field. Attends appropriate continuing education programs/in-services to develop/maintain skills and knowledge. Develops and maintains network of professional contacts to facilitate patient referrals and to provide a peer base for informal clinical consultation and knowledge development. Participates in appropriate professional committees within the Nutrition Dept., as designated by Director, Dept. of Nutrition.
  Supports customer service and performance improvement goals of the department; collaborates with other caregivers/staff, within and outside the Department, to develop means of enhancing patient care and service. Maintains standards of confidentiality and respect.
  Performs work accurately, thoroughly, in a timely manner, and in accordance with departmental and Medical Center standards. Identifies problems and handles/refers them/offers suggestions appropriately. Maintains a positive approach and positive relationships with others. Supports departmental and Medical Center initiatives and change efforts.
  Age-Specific Knowledge & Skills – Possesses the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to meet patients’ physical, psychological and social needs with those growth and development levels/patient populations served within the department.
  Participates in unit compliance as related to established standards, including but not limited to timely completion of UMCP/PHCS and department-specific required education/competencies, and constructive participation in staff meetings. Actively promotes a Culture of Safety, and supports compliance with National Patient Safety Goals.
  Other duties and projects as assigned.

Credentials:

• Registered Dietitian (Required)

Education or Equivalent Experience:

• Bachelor of Arts or Science (Required)
• Completion of four-year degree with B.S. or B.A. in Human Nutrition. R.D. completion and maintenance of updated registration. Two to three years experience as a clinical nutritionist required
• Master of Arts or Science