Clinical Dietitian (Pediatrics 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.

In tandem with the Hospital's Business Plan and Performance Improvement Process, 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 and age specific needs. Uses knowledge of growth and development, the medical sciences, psychology and socio-economic factors, as they apply to clinical or community dietetics in an inpatient or outpatient setting respectively. Evaluates patients for nutritional risk and recommends and facilitates the implementation of age appropriate nutrition care plans and behavioral changes to promote sound dietary choices in health and disease. Translates the science of nutrition and the study of food into practical applications as an adjunct medical 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 nutrition assessments that accurately reflect the patient's nutritional risk factors (which include age) in relation to their medical and/or psychiatric condition and treatment, adhering to section standards of practice, as evidenced by PI monitors. Designs age appropriate modified diets in accordance with written physician diet orders and adapts them to best fulfill individual needs and conform to the client's educational level. Makes recommendations to patients/families and the healthcare team regarding medical nutrition therapy to ensure optimal nutritional management, as evidenced by PI 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 notebooks, medical records, IPOC, clinic shadow files, 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 PI and productivity monitors.
• 3. Participates in professional development activities to maintain and advance knowledge base.
• 3.1 Maintains registration with the Commission on Dietetic Registration and other credentialing bodies, as appropriate. Maintains state certification as a dietitian-nutritionist, as required.
• 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.

Qualifications:

EDUCATION

B.S. degree from an accredited college or university with successful completion of an accredited/approved American Dietetic Association didactic program in dietetics required. Successful completion of a post-baccalaureate certificate program in dietetics/dietetic internship required.

EXPERIENCE

A minimum of one (1) year practical experience in clinical dietetics, clinical practice in an acute care or outpatient care facility preferred, depending on position opening.

LICENSURE

Must be registered with the Commission on Dietetic Registration or registration-eligible with registration within 6 months of hire. CT state dietitian-nutritionist certification or certification eligible with certification within 6 months of hire.

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.