Nutritionist

Nutritionist

The Nutritionist provides medical nutrition therapy to patients, based upon his/her specialty training, through an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach that takes into consideration the psychosocial aspects of both health and disease. S/he additionally provides medical nutrition therapy direction and, and general oversight for nutrition services within the organization.

Analytical and Critical Thinking

Maintains the standard of clinical care, using nutritional diagnostic testing appropriately yet cost-effectively, and providing appropriate nutritional care.

Provides services designed to meet the individual patient's needs in literacy, motivation with medical and psychological diagnoses.

Assesses for barriers and assets in a patient's social environment that are likely to affect nutrition outcomes.

Patient Focus

Demonstrates professionalism and integrity in all aspects of patient care.

Effectively engages patients in their care.

Addresses patient nutritional concerns brought up during visit, and documents assessment and plan for these concerns.

Teamwork

Fosters a collaborative work environment

Functions as the primary clinical nutrition consultant for CBHC.

Works with peers to implement improvements to work flow or to the workplace.

Participates in one or more ongoing medical group visits as a nutrition advocate.--when this starts, if possible, based on staffing.

Works within organization to increase provision of nutritional services.

Participates in interdisciplinary programs to promote and improve the nutritional status of CBHC patients.

Participates in internal committees and teams as requested.

Communication

Returns patient calls within 2 working days, unless voicemail message indicates otherwise, if out of office for a period of time without access to voicemail Informs PCP of nutritional interventions, through flags, problem list up-dates, and/or visit note documentation.

Informs CM of nutritional interventions, if applicable.

Informs MH of nutritional interventions, if applicable.

Informs MST of nutritional interventions, if applicable.

Keep staff clinicians informed of developments in nutritional services.

Provides direction to the organization with respect to nutritional services.

Represents CBHC to the medical and patient communities, as well as the community at-large, as a source of nutritional expertise.

Participates when requested to serve in memberships on committees.

Participates when requested to participate in community activities.

Participates when requested to be a media contact.

Reads and responds to e-mail in a timely manner (within 2 working days), unless out of office indicates otherwise

Checking, Examining, and Recording

Bills all encounters.

Maintains complete and comprehensive documentation.

Consistently completes progress notes of patient encounters by end of the next business day.

Health habits and risk factors are documented in at least 90% of patients seen at least 3 times for nutritional services.

Nutritional self-management goal has been documented/updated within one year for at least 65% of patients seen at least twice for nutritional services.

Workplace Computers and Equipment

Utilizes EMR resources to manage patient care, including flags and referrals.

Uses "out of office" functions in EMR, Outlook, and phone system to make staff aware of absences.

Compliance, Policy, and Procedure

Keeps current with respect to organizational policies and procedures, and puts them into practice.

Willingness to Learn

Takes active steps to keep current in new developments within the field of nutrition

Skills and Abilities:

In-depth knowledge of nutritional models

Strong communication, research, presentation, and creative skills

Basic navigation knowledge of electronic medical record applications such as CPS 12 and ability to learn new computer skills

Maintain sensitivity to religious, ethnic and cultural differences in others and show respect and empathy.

Education and/or Experience:

Required: minimum of Bachelor's Degree in Nutrition or Dietetics, Master's preferred.

2+ years' experience as a professional nutritionist

Must be able to see pediatric patients ages 3 and up

Required: Board certified

Must be a Registered Dietitian (RD) OR a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) and maintain a current and valid Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist (LDN) license in Maryland.

Understanding of diabetic nutrition a plus