Dietitian Clinical, PRN - Lagrange, GA

Facility: Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center

Job Summary:

Practices as a member of the interdisciplinary health care team responsible for the provision of medical nutrition therapy. Fosters continuity of the Nutrition Care Process across all phases of the continuum of care as recommended by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Performs nutrition assessment for patients identified to be at nutrition risk based on criteria outlined by the hospital and best practice standards. Calculates metabolic nutrient requirements according to the age and disease specific needs of patients. Performs nutrition focused physical exam to further evaluate risk of malnutrition as indicated. Develops a nutrition diagnosis as appropriate and consistent with the Nutrition Care Process. Creates and implements a nutrition intervention and care plan for all patients with a nutrition diagnosis. Continuously evaluates and monitors the effectiveness and outcomes of medical nutrition therapy intervention. Provides nutrition education to patients, family, and/or members of the health care team on recommended nutrition intervention(s) to accomplish nutrition goals; which may include, but is not limited to any of the following topics: specialized diet, enteral/oral medical nutrition supplements, food selections, eating behaviors, and community nutrition resources. Manages the delivery of nutrition care services according to the site of care assigned. Participates in performance improvement and research activities. Mentors dietetic interns/diet technicians. Actively assess, evaluates and maintains professional development and competencies outlined in the position description.

Core Responsibilities and Essential Functions:

Provide medical nutrition therapy according to system policy and A.N.D. Nutrition Care Process practice
standards
Utilizes the Nutrition Care Process and WellStar Nutrition Care Policies when assessing patients
Responsible for nutrition screen, assessment, diagnosis, intervention, and monitoring/evaluation of identified at risk patients
Apply psycho-social, age appropriate, evidence-based nutrition care
Document all patient encounters in the health care record in accordance with hospital and department policies and procedures
Identify, monitor, and evaluate enteral nutrition support regimens. Manage enteral nutrition support under the supervision of medical staff
Develop and implements transitional feeding plans
Perform Nutrition Focused Physical Exams to evaluate malnutrition severity as appropriate
Assess patients learning needs, barriers to learning, preferred learning styles and educational level and provides nutrition education accordingly
Utilizes community resources through the continuum of care to foster positive patient outcomes
Develops, implements, and promotes quality services based on client expectation and needs.
Collaborates with patient and/or family member, and health care team to assess nutrition and education needs of patients.
Provides services and establishes goals based on the identified needs of patients and/or family members.
Applies knowledge and skills in developing, implementing and maintaining nutrition care plans
Continuously evaluates nutrition care processes and patient outcomes and implements quality practice by following system policies, procedures, and evidenced based research
Provides care according to organizational ethics, licensure and Standards of Professional Practice for Dietetics Professionals
Applies Joint Commission and/or regulatory standards in the provision of nutrition care
Utilized patient experience and empathy skills when interacting with patients and family members
Participates in multidisciplinary rounds, appropriate committees, and team member huddles
Locates, reviews, and utilizes best practice research findings for their application in optimally managing a disease or condition and improving patient outcomes.
Bases clinical practice on sound scientific principles, current research and theory
Shares and reports research and patient outcomes utilizing various media
Demonstrates knowledge related to clinical practice.
Communicates sound scientific principles, research, and theory to health care team members and dietetic interns in optimally managing patients' care
Shares knowledge and expertise with dietetic interns, patients, family members and health care team members
Documents understanding of relevant information and results of communication with dietetic interns/technicians/patients/families and healthcare team members
Contributes to the development of new knowledge and services
Seeks out information effectively and independently to provide effective services
Systematically evaluates the quality and effectiveness of practice and revises practice as needed to incorporate results of evaluation.
Participates in and identifies performance improvement criteria for nutrition care by completing peer chart audits as assigned and reviewing with their nutrition leader
Continuously evaluates and refines service based on measurable outcomes by keeping a productivity log
Identifies expected outcomes of patient care
Participates in quality improvement initiatives and projects
Engages in lifelong self-development to improve knowledge and skills that promote continued competence.
Conducts yearly self-assessment to identify professional strengths and weaknesses
Identifies needs for professional development and mentors dietetic interns
Documents professional development activities according to system policies
Engage in continuous learning opportunities to further develop skills and capabilities in application technical and functional areas
Performs other duties as assigned
Complies with all Wellstar Health System policies, standards of work, and code of conduct.

Required Minimum Education:

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution with a major in nutrition/dietetics, required

Required Minimum License(s) and Certification(s):

All certifications are required upon hire unless otherwise stated.

• Lic Dietician
• Registered Dietician or Reg Dietician Nutritionist

Required Minimum Experience:

One to two years clinical experience Preferred

Required Minimum Skills:

Excellent interpersonal, customer service, verbal and written communication skills.
Experience with electronic medical record charting systems and other software relative to food service systems.
Knowledge of best practices in clinical nutrition and the dietetics profession.
Knowledge of Nutrition Care Process and its use in complex cases in the clinical setting.
Ability to think critically to apply nutrition interventions to patients with multiple comorbidities and/or special needs including management of enteral nutrition provisions.
Ability to maintain effective relationships with other healthcare professionals in sharing nutrition knowledge and expertise.
Ability to work with patient interests and health in mind.
Knowledge of malnutrition assessment including performance of nutrition focused physical exam preferred.