Clinical Dietetic Technician

Job Title

The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.

Duties

The CDT is responsible for screening patients, collecting nutritionally relevant data such as diagnoses, medications, clinical symptoms, laboratory values, dietary history, and anthropometrics. The CDT receives and records patient information regarding allergies, patient meal preferences and enters this information into the applicable software program(s) including the medical record. CDTs at this level perform all duties and assignments are given with general instruction and guidance. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Conducts the screening and evaluation of the nutrition care needs of patients.
• Assists the RDN in the development of nutritional care plans including nutrition interventions, nutrition focused physical exam, and diet counseling in collaboration with the RDN.
• Collects nutritionally relevant data from the medical record for medications, clinical symptoms, laboratory values, diet history and anthropometrics.
• Makes recommendations for adjustments to the plan of care to improve patient's recovery and document outcomes on nutrition intervention.
• Modifies diet orders for texture/consistency, tolerance, and supplemental feedings as appropriate under the oversight of the RDN.
• Educates patients or employees, in groups or individually, and/or those accompanying the patient, regarding medical nutrition therapies.
• Serves as a preceptor for dietetic technician affiliated programs and associated tasks as applicable.
• Assists with administrative or clerical functions associated with food service operations.
• Assists in related duties that support performance improvement activities for the service.
• Conducts nutrient intake analysis and meal rounds.
• Works collaboratively with interdisciplinary team members.
• Completes test trays and tray studies.
• Completes patient satisfaction surveys.
• May perform other duties as assigned as appropriate for the grade and assignment and which are within the scope of the occupation.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, administrative hours (days)

Telework: Not available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 99306

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized