Inpatient Clinical Dietitian - Per Diem

Overview: To be part of our organization, every employee should understand and share in the YNHHS Vision, support our Mission, and live our Values. These values - integrity, patient-centered, respect, accountability, and compassion - must guide what we do, as individuals and professionals, every day.

Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to manage the nutrition care of patients throughout the lifecycle in an inpatient or outpatient setting. Ensures that optimal nutrition is provided to patients based on medical, cultural, and age-specific needs. Uses knowledge of growth and development, the medical sciences, psychology and socio-economic factors, as they apply to clinical dietetics in an inpatient or outpatient setting respectively. Evaluates patients for nutritional risk and presence of malnutrition and recommends and facilitates the implementation of age appropriate nutrition care plans and behavioral changes via patient/family education and counseling to promote sound dietary choices in health and disease. Translates the science of nutrition and the study of food into practical applications via medical nutrition therapy. Manages an internship rotation as assigned.

EEO/AA/Disability/Veteran Responsibilities:

• 1. Provides age and culturally appropriate medical nutrition therapy to assigned patients using evidence-based practice guidelines and the Nutrition Care Process.
• 1.1 Conducts and documents nutrition assessments/reassessments that accurately reflect the patient's nutritional risk factors including age in relation to their medical and/or psychiatric condition and treatment, adhering to section standards of practice, as evidenced by Ql monitors. Identifies, documents, and treats malnutrition. Makes recommendations to patients/families and the healthcare team regarding medical nutrition therapy to ensure optimal nutritional management, as evidenced by Ql monitors, documented patient/consumer feedback and as observed by supervisor.
• 2. Demonstrates effective organizational skills and uses understanding of YNHH performance standards to ensure the smooth and timely delivery of clinical nutrition and counseling services on assigned patient care units or in ambulatory settings.
• 2.1 Maintains all clinical documentation, including medical records, productivity, financial data and formula records as appropriate to assigned setting, in an accurate and up-to-date manner that conforms to HIPAA and section standards of practice, as evidenced by department Pl and productivity monitors.
• 3. Participates in professional development activities to maintain and advance knowledge base.
• 3.1 Annually maintains registration with the Commission on Dietetic Registration and other credentialing bodies, as appropriate. Annually, maintains state certification as a dietitian-nutritionist, as required. If specialty certifications are achieved, proactively communicates plan for maintenance of certification per department career ladder.
• 4. Conducts dietetic intern education through assigned rotation.
• 4.1 Directly supervises day to day internship operations. Identifies obstacles to individual learning; discusses solutions with supervisor and implements revised teaching strategies. Provides remediation experiences as requested.

Qualifications:

EDUCATION

Registered Dietitian required or eligible to take Registration Examination with successful achievement within 6 months of hire. Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with successful completion of an ACEND accredited supervised practice program or equivalent. Note: Minimum of Master's degree required for eligibility for the Registration Examination for those completing educational and supervised practice requirements after January 2024.

EXPERIENCE

0-3 years' experience. Meets required experience hours in order to be an RDN by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), or is eligible to take the Registration Examination for RDN, with achievement of RDN credential within 6 months of hire.

LICENSURE

Registered Dietitian with the Commission on Dietetic Registration or eligible for registration examination with successful registration within 6 months of hire. If already registered, achieve CT state dietitian-nutritionist certification within 3 months of hire. If registration-eligible, achieve CT state dietitian-nutritionist certification within 3 months of passing the RD exam.

SPECIAL SKILLS

Must have working knowledge of evidenced-based principles of medical nutrition therapy. Must provide competent nutrition assessment, follow-up, and education to individuals, groups, and members of the healthcare team using sound scientific knowledge, section standards of practice, and the Nutrition Care Process. Must be able to gather, review, and synthesize complex medical information to plan scientifically sound, realistic, and fiscally responsible patient care. Must have knowledge of theories and principles of food preparation, menu planning, and nutrient analysis to enable education of patients, families, groups, and other members of the healthcare team. Excellent oral and written communications skills required. Must work well independently to prioritize patient care, and work well as part of the healthcare team. Must demonstrate ability to competently teach and mentor dietetic interns in the practice of medical nutrition therapy. Must be able to use computer software systems including but not limited to word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and nutrient analysis programs, as well as varied electronic medical records systems.

PHYSICAL DEMAND

Must be able to sit and stand for significant lengths of time in completion of work tasks. Must be able to walk significant distances to provide coverage on geographically diverse hospital inpatient units or clinics.