Clinical Dietitian Full Time Days

Children’s Hospital of Michigan is an international leader in pediatric and adolescent medicine. Surgical services include general, thoracic, reconstructive and cardiovascular. Imaging technology designed specifically for children provides advanced diagnostic services including Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and MRI. The Children’s Hospital of Michigan Emergency Department is a verified Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center and dedicated pediatric burn center. Experts in pediatric critical care, rehabilitation, and neonatal and perinatal medicine provide care for thousands of children every year at Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Children’s Hospital of Michigan - Troy and six ambulatory sites.

LOCATION: Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Division of Genetic and Metabolic Disorders

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION:

Provide nutritional assessment and dietary management for all patients and families diagnosed with an inborn error of metabolism, either through the State of Michigan’s Newborn Screening program or through other sources and referred to the Children’s Hospital of Michigan Metabolic Management Clinic (CHMMC), within the Division of Genetic and Metabolic Disorders at Children’s Hospital of Michigan. This includes both inpatients at Children’s Hospital of Michigan and outpatients seen in the CHMMC. This includes recommending and monitoring:
a. Dietary Intake
b. Diet Prescriptions
c. Necessary Blood Tests
d. Growth and Development
• Provide nutrition assessment and education in the clinic setting for patients with inborn errors of metabolism
• Implement medical nutrition therapy in the inpatient setting for patients with inborn errors of metabolism
• Provides metabolic formula preparation instructions to the patient and family
• Provides written diet prescription and ensures patient and family has all supplies related to nutrition intervention such as scales, special measuring utensils, special formulas, etc.
• Calculate and evaluate diet records and labs for home monitoring. (Assess calories, protein, Phe or other offending amino acids as needed for disorder)
• Communicate frequently and effectively with patients and families via phone and email
• Educate house staff and other health care team members on dietary management
• Develop and implement educational programs regarding nutrition for metabolic patients and families.
• Participates as a member of the multidisciplinary healthcare team responsible for providing medical/nutritional care of patient with inborn errors of metabolism.
• Provides consultations for other hospital dietitians, nursing staff and other health care team members as necessary.
• Participates in professional organizations and committees on the local, state, and national levels.
• Maintains metabolic formula inventory and order schedule for patient population.
• Produce letters of medical necessity, formula prescriptions, and other supporting documentation to obtain insurance coverage for metabolic formula

Reports to the Director, DMC Nutrition Services conducts a nutrition assessment for all patients identified at nutritional risk to determine an appropriate plan of nutrition therapy that meets their assessed needs. A nutrition assessment includes evaluation of patients medical history, medication/herbal supplement history, anthropometric measurement, assessment of lab values, and diet history. The assessment also includes age specific factors, cultural and religious practices, and barriers to learning including physical, emotional, language, cognitive and motivation. Nutrition Care Plans specific to patients identified need are developed and include requirements for nutrients and nutrition education as appropriate. The assessment is completed using a multi-disciplinary approach with input from medical staff, nursing, speech language pathology, and other appropriate hospital personnel. Records nutrition assessment in patient records using DMC approved documentation.

1) Performs as a resource person for hospital personnel and medical staff regarding nutrition and participates in multidisciplinary rounds as well as providing education to various departments on nutrition related topics.

2) Researches and develops programs for dietetic interns. Participants in the education of dietetic interns by providing specialized and general nutrition instruction.

3) Participate in research projects and nutrition related programs.

4) Works with outside agencies in obtaining ongoing assistance for patients as appropriate.

5) Maintains hospital and departmental policies, procedures, objectives, process improvement and provides input on improving processes and ways to provide high quality patient care.

6) Inventory and order office and tube feeding supplies.

7) Monitors and directs foodservice personnel to ensure provisions of optimal nutritional food service to patients are met; follows up with patient to ensure adherence to dietary regimen.

8) Formulates special recipes or plans to meet the specific needs of patients.

9) Promotes guest relations. Maintains good customer service providing assistance to customers in a quick and courteous manner.

10) Promotes the value of the DMC by demonstrating behaviors supportive of a commitment to quality, community welfare, respect and involvement, teamwork, open and effective communication, innovation and education, and efficient and effective resource use.

1. Bachelors degree in Nutrition/Dietetics.
2. Dietetic Internship in healthcare setting or completion of a supervised practice program at a health care facility, community agency, or a foodservice corporation, or combined with graduate or undergraduate studies. Programs are usually 6 to 12 months in length.
3. Registration with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics or registry eligible passing the registry exam within 6 months of completion of internship.
4. Registration with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics required if working with patients with inherited metabolic disorders.