Clinical Dietitian

GENERAL OVERVIEW

Responsible for the design and implementation of a plan of nutritional care, based on identification and assessment of a patient's nutritional needs, correlated with other health plans. Requires strong interpersonal and interviewing skills. Requires excellent communication skills to ensure appropriate translation of nutrition recommendations to the team, patient and their families and colleagues

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Clinical Responsibilities

1. Maintains good rapport and effective working relationships with patients and their families, physicians, nurses, managers and administration.
2. Participates on multi disciplinary patient care rounds on assigned unit. Assesses, evaluates, monitors and recommends appropriate nutrition intervention.
3. Develops nutrition care plan utilizing clinical, bio-chemical, and socio-economic factors. Documents, monitors and communicates nutrition care plans through written and verbal systems (medical records, discussions on work rounds). Documents in medical record based on established standards of practice.
4. As assigned, works with team leader and senior clinical dietitians in developing nutrition plans for forced fed patients.
5. Assesses and adjusts individual patient's diet modifications according to nutritional adequacy
6. Interprets, evaluates, and utilizes pertinent current research related to nutritional care, and presents such at Nutrition Support Rounds, as appropriate.
7. Collaborates with case managers for discharge and continuing care plans.
8. Assists in development of standards of practice within the Department of Nutrition. Assists in monitoring of selected clinical indicators and department audits.
9. Counsels individuals and groups with varied nutritional needs, taking into consideration diagnosis, socio-economic, and educational backgrounds.
10. Participates in selected quality improvement programs.
11. Collaborates with food service personnel and participates in problem solving food service issues
12. Performs other duties as requested by management staff.

Management Responsibilities:

1. Maintains food service safety and sanitation standards within established guidelines.
2. Helps controls inventory of nutrition supplements and tube feedings on unit within budgetary goals.
3. Participates in quality improvement projects as requested

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Registered, Licensed Dietitian.
2. Dietetic interns who have completed a post-baccalaureate dietetic internship and is a RD eligible dietitian may practice under the guidance of a team leader / senior dietitian for 3 months until successful completion of the registration exam.
3. One to two years experience preferred.
4. Certified Nutrition Support Clinician (CNSC), preferred.