Clinical Dietitian Nutritionist

The information described in this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature of the work performed. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Other information:

Job Summary
The Clinical Dietitian Nutritionist provides comprehensive nutrition care to inpatient and ambulatory patients through effective screening, assessment, counseling, and care management. Plans, organizes and coordinates education and programs to facilitate health maintenance and health promotion within the community. Provides consultation services to the Food Service Department per department policies and procedures; responsibilities may include staff training, patient satisfaction surveys, tray testing, tray line checking and other projects delegated by the Dietitian Supervisor and/or Director. Participates in quality improvement, regulatory agency, and other SRH activities. Involved in the nutrition care process, work is performed in accordance with standard professional practices, SRH policies and procedures. Location and department specific tasks and competencies may apply.

Essential Functions
Complies with SRH and regulatory agency standards for screening, assessment and development of care plans and nutritional interventions to assure that patients at highest nutritional risk receive appropriate care in a timely manner. Demonstrates ability to tailor treatment based on unique requirements of patients’ age, cultural and developmental needs. Consults with medical staff and providers related to nutritional interventions to improve patient nutritional status or prevent deterioration of health. Documents recommendations in the electronic medical record according to SRH and regulatory agency guidelines. Provides medical nutrition therapy for patients to assist them to self-manage their healthcare needs. Participates in patient care conferences and interdisciplinary teams to provide information on patient nutritional status. Establishes and maintains effective interpersonal relationships with medical staff and providers to provide a unified approach to patient care. Recommends appropriate nutrition supplements and medical food products to mitigate malnutrition or, as a minimum, maintain nutritional status. Maintains accurate productivity records as directed by the Dietitian Supervisor and Director(s) to meet SRH and regulatory agency guidelines, and assist in statistical analysis of data. Assists with data collection and evaluation of quality assurance indicators to monitor the quality of patient care, with appropriate interventions. Assists with training and performance improvement for Food and Nutrition Services’ staff to ensure department and regulatory agency guidelines are met. Clarifies patient food allergies/intolerances, patient complaints and works with the Director, Executive Chef, Food Services Supervisor and diet office staff to provide a safe and satisfactory patient experience. Conducts in-services and presentations as requested to healthcare professionals, SRH staff and the community to enhance understanding of the role of nutrition in health, and promote the role of the dietitian as an integral member of the healthcare interdisciplinary team. Assists in process development and implementation of programs that incorporate the consistency of nutrition care plans. Committed to the continuous quality improvement of the patient experience which includes patient safety, quality of care and excellent service. Performs other duties as assigned by the Director(s) and Dietitian Supervisor.

Education
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Food and Nutrition Science. Master of Science (M.S.) in dietetics or combined master’s degree program preferred.

Experience/Training
Minimum three (3) years’ experience in a clinical nutrition acute care setting preferred. Experience in outpatient diabetes and nutrition counseling preferred.

License/Certifications
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or RDN eligible required. RDN certification required within 6 months of hire. Active and unrestricted Washington State Dietician Certification, required.

Other Skills
Effective verbal and written skills required to follow the guidelines of the nutrition care process, utilizing standardized language and terminology. Ability to perform nutritional screening and assessment; develop, implement and monitor nutrition care plans as appropriate for all age groups. Nutrition support skills required. Communication and interpersonal skills include ability to effectively communicate with medical staff, providers, patients and families. Patient education, educational tool development, public speaking and motivational interviewing, computer and math skills required. Able to work independently as well as function as part of interdisciplinary teams.

Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for long periods of time, when working in the office. Repetitive tasks such as typing, sitting, telephone conversations, and interacting with computers and computer systems most of the day is a function of the position. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to focus. This position requires working in an indoor, environmentally controlled environment when in the office.

Skagit Regional Health offers a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, vision, 457b/401a (retirement), long term disability, and paid time off to all employees holding an FTE of 20 or more hours per week. Eligible employees also receive sick time pay.