Clinical Dietitian- Columbia County (FT Days)

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Work Shift

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:

• Bachelors Dietetics or Bachelors Nutrition
• Other / Certificate Dietetics or Other / Certificate Nutrition

Required Minimum License(s) and Certification(s):
All certifications are required upon hire unless otherwise stated.

• BLS - Basic Life Support or ARC-BLS - Amer Red Cross Basic Life Support or BLS-I - Basic Life Support - Instructor or BLS-P - Basic Life Support-Provisional (30 Days) within 30 Days
• LD - Lic Dietician or LD-P - Lic Dietician - Provisional (180 Days) within 180 Days
• RD - Registered Dietician or RDN - Reg Dietician Nutritionist or RDN-P - Reg Dietician Nutritionist - Provisional (180 Days) within 180 Days

Required Minimum Experience:

One to two years clinical experience Preferred
Completion of a supervised practice didactic program accredited by the Accreditation Counsel for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)

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