Clinical Dietitian

Overview

Functions as a leader in medical nutrition therapy, promoting wellness through optimal nutrition. Collaborates with physicians, nurses and other ancillary staff to provide optimal nutrition support. Functions as a member of the multi-disciplinary health care team screening and/or assessing newly admitted patients/residents to identify those at nutrition risk. Completes comprehensive medical nutrition therapy assessment for those patients identified at nutrition risk. Provides therapeutic diet education based on patient needs and literacy level. Develops and implements an appropriate plan of care. Develops through orientation and continuing education, and according to the American Dietetic Association standards of practice, knowledge and skills as appropriate for working with patients of any age, including the child, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients, and the terminally ill. Regularly provides quality service to customers following established protocols. Maintains confidentiality. Actively participates in the growth and development of the Clinical Dietitian group

Responsibilities

POSITION SPECIFIC DUTIES (other duties may be assigned)

Complies with the hospital's guidelines for nutritional intervention to ensure that patients/residents at nutrition risk receive appropriate care in a timely manner

Assesses patients/residents nutritional status according to established standards to determine appropriate nutritional care plan. Completes appropriate Plan of Care, MDS, RAPS using the WinCare System, per established time frames, as necessary.

Accurately assesses patients/residents based on individual medical condition.

Consults with the medical staff on appropriate nutritional intervention to improve patients/residents nutritional status and/or prevent further deterioration.

Provides nutrition counseling and education for patients/residents to assist them in making desired changes in eating habits.

Addresses pertinent drug-nutrient interaction in assessment to ensure maximum benefit from drugs and diet.

Participates in patient/resident care conferences and multi-disciplinary team meetings to provide information on patients/residents nutritional status for preparation of discharge plans. Completes multidisciplinary plan of care.

Documents recommendations in the patients/residents medical record per department policy to communicate with physicians and other health care personnel.

Evaluates effects of nutritional intervention on individual patients/residents nutritional status to determine need of further intervention or revision of nutritional care plan.

Collects and evaluates data for selected performance improvement indicators to monitor the quality and appropriateness of patients/residents nutritional care. Re-evaluates indicators annually for potential improvement in the nutritional care of high risk, high volume and problem prone patient populations.

Participates in Quality Control monitors (i.e. test tray evaluations, tray accuracy, etc.) and Performance Improvement projects as scheduled. Completes 90% or greater of Quality Control monitors.

Actively seeks involvement, assisting with special projects as needed. Immediately consults the team regarding issues and concerns, addressing and solving problems within the team whenever possible. Confers with the Clinical Nutrition Manager for guidance, training and support.

Oversees Diet Clerk in conducting nutritional screening to ensure appropriate identification of those at nutrition risk. Assists with competency training of Diet Clerks and other staff to ensure an understanding of department policies and guidelines for clinical care.

Conducts inservices/presentations as requested for health care professionals, hospital employees and the community to enhance understanding of the role of nutrition in health and promote the role of the dietitian.

Complies with clinical productivity standards by documenting productivity and planning improvements. Demonstrated by completing 90% or greater of clinical productivity reports.

Improves nutrition knowledge base through continuing education to ensure application of current research information and methods of nutrition practice. Maintains registration status with the American Dietetic Association Commission on Dietetics (75 hours of continuing education in a five (5) year period). Participates in own performance appraisal by identifying own learning needs and personal goals with reviewer during annual evaluation. Maintains current Professional Development Portfolio.

Demonstrates ongoing clinical competency through Medical Record Documentation audit. Overall competency score of 85% or greater.

Effectively and compassionately precepts dietetic interns. Maintains professional relationships with intern while precepting.

Attends department meetings/inservices as scheduled.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS/JOB REQUIREMENTS:

EDUCATION:

• A Bachelor's degree in Dietetics or equivalent from an approved program that meets the American Dietetic Association qualifications for Registered Dietitian or Registered Dietitian eligibility.

EXPERIENCE:

• 2 years experience in acute/long term care preferred.

CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSURE:

• Current certification as a Registered Dietitian through Commission of Dietetics Registration.

OTHER SKILLS, ABILITIES & KNOWLEDGE:

• Should be self-motivating.

• Excellent communication, problem solving and time management skills.