Clinical Nutritionist

Nutritional Care Specialist

Applies principles of nutrition in monitoring nutritional status of hospital patients. Assures that appropriate nutrition intervention occurs. Approves definitions of modified diets and patient menus as prescribed by the Medical Staff for patients with therapeutic diet needs. Provides instructions concerning therapeutic diets for patients and family.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education, Certification, and/or Licensure:

1. Registration eligible to be a Registered Dietician or Registered Dietician Nutritionist through the Commission of Dietetic Registration (CDR)

2. Must pass registration exam within three (3) years of receiving state provisional license OR within 12 months of hire, whichever is sooner

3. Complete required supervised practice/experience through an ACEND-accredited Dietetic Internship, Coordinated Program, Graduate Program, OR an Individualized Supervised Practice Pathway offered through an ACEND-accredited program.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience:

1. Completion of a dietetic internship.

Core Duties and Responsibilities:

The statements described here are intended to describe the general nature of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be constructed as an all-inclusive list of all responsibilities and duties. Other duties may be assigned.

1. Observes for physical signs of nutritional deficiency per stand of Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

2. Evaluates anthropometric data for height and weight and changes in height and weight.

3. Obtains and evaluates diet history information for nutritional significance. Areas to evaluate include appetite and intake, food allergies or intolerances, chewing or swallowing difficulties, feeding independence, supplements (liquid, vitamin/mineral), eating patterns, food preferences and estimate of daily intake.

4. Complete physician ordered consults and instructions according to standards of care and document in medical record. Contact the physician regarding any concerns, recommendations, etc.

5. Document NPO/Clear Liquid notes by day five; follow-up every two days until nutrition provided (unless contraindicated).

6. Complete and document calorie counts accurately. Document summary of calorie counts within 24 hours of completion if results warrant nutritional recommendations.

7. Calculate and report results of nitrogen balance and metabolic cart studies accurately and in a timely manner.

8. Complete and document nutrition assessments on high-risk patients according to standards of care; including but not limited to: appropriateness of diet to diagnosis, adequacy of current tube feeding, infant formula; assessment of laboratory values, drug-nutrient interactions, medical history, current nutritional needs, nutrition education needs, and care plan.

9. Effectively instructs patients/family members on diet for home by obtaining appropriate diet history information, combining diet information into one form for multiple diet restrictions, assessing knowledge after teaching, and following up before patient discharge when possible. Tailors teaching to specific needs of patient including visually impaired patients, stroke patients, etc.

10. Attend meetings/conferences that physicians request dietitian attendance or those meetings/conferences required to maintain accreditation of hospital programs or foster partnership with other facilities.

11. Act on any patient food complaints, provide alternative selections and/or arrangements. Follow-up with appropriate managers on food quality issues.

Physical Requirements:

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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Frequent walking, sitting and standing, are necessary body movements to complete the work.

Working Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Majority of work is Performed in patient care units. Some office, classroom and meeting room work. Occasional community speaking.

Skills and Abilities:

1. Must have ability to follow oral and written instructions.

2. Must have basic math skills including addition and subtraction.

3. Basic computer skills required.

4. Concentrated mental activity is required to organize the work.

5. Must be able to respond to changes in work volume throughout the shift.

6. Must be able to work Saturdays and some holidays. May need to attend a meeting in the evening on occasion.

7. Must be able to interact with co-workers, patients, family and other members of the medical team in a positive manner