Nutrition Assistant

NUTRITION ASSISTANT

JOB SUMMARY

·     Responsible for the implementation of nutrition care orders for our pediatric patient population

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF POSITION

·     Prepares fortified human milk and patient formula using a state of the art electronic scanning program

·     Interprets and processes feeding orders and meal trays

·     Ongoing communication with clinical dietitians, nursing staff, rehab staff and the medical staff

·     Participates in departmental meetings

·     Double checks meal preparation process for inpatients and outpatient specialty diets

·     Completes discharge education with families and documents in electronic health record

·     Assists in training of new personnel

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Educational Requirement

·     High School Diploma/Equivalent.  Coursework or a degree in a Dietetic Technician program is a plus.

Other Requirements Specific to Assigned Area

·     Experience in a hospital setting using barcode scanning systems, patient identification processes and attention to detail is a plus.  

·     Previous experience in departments such as nutrition, foodservice, nursing (PCA) or pharmacy would be beneficial for this position.

·     Demonstrates skills with weights and measurements; calculates recipes

·     Interpersonal skills necessary to communicate effectively with patients, parents/caregivers and all members of the healthcare team

·     Ability to bend, stoop and lift 20 lbs. unassisted

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

·         Reports to the Director of Clinical Nutrition Services for administrative and operational direction

·         Receives clinical supervision from the Registered Dietitians and the Nutrition Assistant Supervisor

INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS

·     Directly interfaces daily with patients, visitors and all members of the healthcare team

TOOLS/EQUIPMENT USED

·     Uses digital and manual scales, various measuring devices, calculator and desktop computer.

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT/WORKING CONDITIONS

·     Typical health care environment; occasional exposure to extremes of temperature. Ability to stand or walk for long periods of time. Ability to lift/carry cases of formula and supplies.  Little risk of exposure to blood or body fluids.  Personal Protective Equipment worn as indicated and per hospital guidelines.

This job description identifies the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not to be considered an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties or skills required of an incumbent.