Diet Technician - Inpatient/Formula Room

Employment Type

Full time

Shift

Rotating Shift

Description

This position is responsible for following established procedures for preparation of specialty infant, human milk and formulas within an aseptic feeding preparation room in the inpatient clinical setting. The diet technician performs calculations and follow detailed steps for preparation of the special infant formulas as well as ordering, stocking and sanitation in the infant formula preparation room. The diet technician conducts nutrition screening according to the hospital policies and procedures and provides nutrition education to patients under the supervision of the registered dietitian.

In the Infant Formula Preparation Room, prepares special infant formulas as prescribed by the physician/NNP. Job duties include:

• Cleaning and sanitizing all equipment before and after formula mixing to meet sanitation standards.
• Prepares specialty human milk and formula preparations according to written formulations following pre-established feeding preparation procedures and adhering to HACCP standards and aseptic technique, including the use of personal protective equipment (hair covers, gloves, mask and gown) to comply with the diet prescription.
• Uses applications including Microsoft Excel to obtain recipes for feeding preparation and assess charts and diagrams.
• Perform math equations using a calculator to determine amount of preparation needed, volume yield and volume needed for fortifiers and additives. Determine when use of an alternative feeding preparation is needed to complete daily prescribed feeding order.
• Print feeding labels for prepared formulas, per policy, for the identification of patient, bar code scanning and date/time of expiration.
• Completes documentation of daily preparations and perform data collection within the electronic health record (EHR)
• Verifies feeding orders with the registered dietitian, nurse, physician or nurse practitioners for accuracy and utilizes or obtains standardized recipes as needed.
• Performs inventory, ordering to par levels and expiration date monitoring for all products prepared in the formula room.
• Escalate supply issues to appropriate personnel in a timely manner.
• Maintains daily temperature logs of refrigeration and freezer equipment in patient care unit and preparation area.
• Uses gram scale to weigh human milk, liquid formulas, powdered formulas and other additives used in feeding preparation.
• Uses specialized ENFit compatible feeding preparation techniques to prepare specialty feeding preparations.
• Communicates with leadership regarding feeding order troubleshooting, supply issues and equipment maintenance concerns.
• Delivering prepared formulas to the appropriate nursing unit for use in patient feeding.
• Runs reports in EHR to verify all components of feeding order prior to preparation including: patient label, patient name, type and volume of feeding, MRN, and location.
• Responsible for identifying and correcting any errors prior to delivery of formula.
• Placing charges in Epic.
• Responsible for ordering and stocking of products for the formulary room. 19. Assists with training of ancillary staff as necessary.
• Completes food service handlers training upon hire.
  
  

Conducts nutrition screening and nutrition education following hospital/department policies and procedures. Job duties include:

• Obtain relevant information from the medical record.
• Interviewing patient regarding pre-established criteria to screen for nutrition risk.
• Escalate patients to registered dietitian for assessment based upon pre-established policy criteria.
• Complete documentation in the Electronic Health Record (HER)
• Under the supervision of the registered dietitian, provides nutrition education to low risk patients utilizing planned interventions designed with the intent of changing a nutrition-related behavior, risk factor, environmental condition or aspect of health status for individuals and/or populations.
• Refers high priority patients to the registered dietitian for further counseling as appropriate. Documents all patient education in the medical record.
  
  

Performs other duties and projects within scope of practice as assigned to facilitate the operational flow of the department.

Education

Position Requirements:

Required: Bachelors Degree in Nutrition or related health field

Preferred: Bachelors Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics

Experience

Required: Less than one year of previous job-related experience

Licensure/Certifications

Required: Illinois Food Handler Certification - can be acquired after hire

Preferred: Nutrition and Dietetics Technicians, Registered NDTR

Compensation

Pay Range: $16.70 - $25.53 per hour

Actual compensation will fall within the range but may vary based on factors such as experience, qualifications, education, location, licensure, certification requirements, and comparisons to colleagues in similar roles.

Trinity Health Benefits Summary

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Trinity Health is one of the largest not-for-profit, Catholic healthcare systems in the nation. Built on the foundation of our Mission and Core Values, we integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion in all that we do. Our colleagues have different lived experiences, customs, abilities, and talents. Together, we become our best selves. A diverse and inclusive workforce provides the most accessible and equitable care for those we serve. Trinity Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by law.

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