Clinical Dietitian II

Job Summary and Responsibilities

*$1,500 Sign On Bonus*

The Clinical Dietitian II assesses the nutritional status of the patient using recognized tools of assessment, and recommends and counsels patients, family, and/or caregivers on the appropriate nutrition plan to improve the patient's disease or condition management. The Clinical Dietitian II supports, models and trains Clinical Dietitian I's in the core behaviors and responsibilities of the department and organization. Performs business functions, such as management of resources in a cost-effective manner, and participates in compliance and quality performance improvement efforts to ensure that nutrition care is safe and effective. This position also assists the Clinical Nutrition Director (if applicable) with coordination of clinical nutrition services.

• Conducts patient screening in accordance with specialized clinical guidelines for those at a specific nutritional risk. Performs nutritional assessment using age and gender appropriate standards, cultural, religious and ethnic backgrounds; and utilizing validated assessment tools resulting in nutrition related diagnosis when indicated. Conducts routine screening to identify patients at nutritional risk. Collaborates within an interdisciplinary environment to contribute to facilitating care and identifying patients at nutrition risk or needing higher level of care.
• Implements targeted and specific nutrition intervention(s) based on the specific medical condition. Provides customized nutrition education to patients and/or families and caregivers. Actively participates as a member of the multi -specialty, interdisciplinary care team to contribute toward overall patient care. Closely monitors, evaluates and rescreens patient nutrition status as appropriate. Updates plan of care as necessary. Follows up with patient as needed.
• Develops an intervention plan which includes appropriate feeding route, mode, and nutrition prescription unique to patient's specific needs, in accordance with physicians' orders. Monitors and evaluates patient response to interventions by meeting specific measurable goals documented in the nutrition care plan in a timely and thorough manner in the medical record.
• Collaborates with the Food and Nutrition Services team to enhance patient experience. This includes participating in test trays, menu reviews, periodic auditing trayline for accuracy of diet orders, validating menu compliance with the facility Diet Manual Handbook and Nutrition Care Manual (NCM), supporting with patient interactive positions (i.e. dietitians, diet clerks, etc.), maintaining communication with patients, staff, and guests and providing excellent customer service. Participates in peer reviews and chart audits, and collaborates in Diet Manual Handbook training for all clinical staff (new registered dietitians, nurses, therapists, physicians, etc.), including how to access it in hard and soft copy. Supports in the training/development of Clinical Dietitian I, patient interactive positions (i.e. dietitians, diet clerks, interns, etc.) as well as other positions as needed. This may include leading Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) training sessions and workshops for overall hospital clinical staff such as nurses, therapists, and physicians.
• Functions routinely with high acuity patients requiring advanced competency to provide expert level of care and nutrition therapy in Neonatal intensive care.

Job Requirements

Required:

• Bachelor's Degree with completion of accredited dietetics program (ACEND - Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition Dietetics)
• Three (3) years acute care hospital or similar experience working with patients in more complex levels of care to specialized populations (e.g. pediatric, bariatric, ICU, etc.)
• Valid registration as a Registered Dietitian with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (RD or RD-ADA or RD-AND or RD-CDR)

Preferred:

• Board Certification Specialist in Oncology Nutrition (BCSO), Pediatric (BCPED) or Nutritional Support (BCNSP). Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE), Nutrition Support Clinician (CNSC), Lifestyle & Weight Management Consultant (LWMC).
• In lieu of a board certification, Three (3) years acute care hospital or similar experience working with patients in more complex levels of care to specialized populations.

Where You'll Work

St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center is a 576 bed non-profit facility providing quality health care to patients and communities in and around Phoenix, Arizona. We are part of CommonSpirit Health which operates 139 hospitals and more than 1,000 care sites across 21 states, making our services accessible to nearly 1 in 4 U.S. residents. If you are committed to social justice, health equity, and prepared to deliver care in new, innovative ways, you belong with us.