Clinical Dietitian

A Brief Overview

Provides clinical nutrition services to inpatient / outpatients. Assesses patient's status and develops / implements a nutrition care plan in accordance with patients' nutrition requirements, Medical NutritionTherapy and Regulatory Standards. Participates in the interdisciplinary team process, and conducts training / education programs as required.

What you will do

• Provides all aspects of Medical Nutrition Therapy to patients using evidenced-based research in accordance with Medical Nutrition Therapy Standards of Practice.
• Assesses the nutrition status of patients as it relates to their diagnosis and medical condition, utilizing the medical record, anthropometric data, visual assessment and other subjective data.
• Develops and implements a plan of care to meet identified patient problems or needs, writes measurable expected outcomes and plans according to the patient's progress toward expected outcomes. Documents evaluation of patient’s plan of care through direct interview, calculating nutrient intake and monitoring tolerance of food or tube feeding.
• Demonstrates knowledge, technical, interpersonal and critical thinking skills necessary to provide care, maintain clinical competency and meet age-specific patient requirements / standards.
• Provides follow up with patients and family members as appropriate regarding modified diets, weight maintenance, weight loss and the importance of good nutrition. Provides necessary education.
• Assists in implementing standards for high quality patient care and instruction, as well as methods of evaluating care and instruction.
• Works consistently within patient care policies and procedures, demonstrated competencies, with consideration given to risk management, infection control and, patient safety practices.
• Participates in patient team conferences.
• Assesses learning needs of patient / family and collaborates with in other health team members in planning, implementing and evaluating nutritional plan of care.
• Documents all pertinent information in the medical record clearly, concisely and within the appropriate time frames.
• Acts as a liaison between the patient, nursing and medical staff to answer questions, provide support and assistance to resolve concerns relating to clinical nutritional services.
• Maintains patient medical records; performs charting duties; records activities and observations. Utilizes patient computer systems to enter and retrieve data. Maintains appropriate documentation to comply with third party billing standards.
• Confers and works collaboratively with patient / family / clinic / hospital staff regarding all aspects of patient needs (i.e., management of diet, referrals, coordinating appointments, requisitions supplies, patient admission / discharge or transfer process, discharge planning, obtains medical records, etc.) in a customer responsive and courteous manner, in compliance with iRESPECT standards and promoting patient / customer satisfaction.
• Assists in the orientation and training of new staff members and students assigned to unit when they provide patient care, treatment and services as a part of their training. Participates in staff training and performance improvement activities and utilizes the results of the quality of care activities to initiate changes in practices.
• Participates in multidisciplinary team process. Coordinates nutritional plan with other members of the healthcare team to assure optimal patient care.
• Assists in the development and evaluation of in-service and training materials.
• Maintains a clean, orderly, safe environment for patients and personnel. Adheres to established policies, compliance / quality improvement, patient safety, environment and infection control standards.
• Maintains professional credentials and education necessary to keep abreast and maintain a current knowledge of clinical and theoretical principles, concepts, and techniques. Attends continuing education, staff development, and mandatory programs. Meets and maintains the Commission of Dietetic Registration requirements for continuing education.
• Prepares and maintains required records, reports and files for administrative and compliance purposes.
• Participates in institutional and professional activities to promote the department, the institution and the profession.
• Outpatient :
• Provides clinical nutritional services to outpatients. Assesses patient's status and develops / implements a nutritional care plan in accordance with patient dietary requirements and dietetic standards and regulations. a. Assesses patient's nutritional status as it relates to their diagnosis and implements diet therapy plan for patient as prescribed. b. Evaluates patient’s ability to tolerate prescribed diet and modifies plan as needed. Relays problems to appropriate individuals. c. Conducts diet consultations with patients and their families, nursing and medical staff. d. Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to patient populations.

Qualifications

Regional One Health is committed to diversity and inclusion. We are an equal opportunity employer including veterans and people with disabilities

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