Nutrition Assistant

Nutrition Support Assistant

Under the direction of the Clinical Nutrition Manager, provides clinical support to the team of acute care dietitians by conducting nutrition screening of inpatients, following up on nursing admission nutrition screening triggers, following up on patients who meet the length of stay criteria according to department policies, collects nutrition related data from patient visit, reports pertinent clinical information back to the dietitians for further interventions as necessary and provides basic diet education when appropriate. Works closely with department staff and other disciplines to ensure the nutrition needs of the patient are met.

Under the direction of the Clinical Dietitians, assists with inpatient screening for nutritional risk and poor oral intake. Completes documentation of patient visits in the electronic medical record.

Effectively interacts with patients, families and staff to manage menus and food preferences to meet patient needs and improve outcomes.

Maintains an efficient and effective program of patient contact by assisting the Clinical Dietitian with initial visitation, meal rounds, snack/supplement rounds and obtaining food preferences.

Assists with managing specialty menus for allergies, calorie restrictions, halal, kosher, and vegan. Assists dietitian with special menu processes, i.e. red star menus, as needed.

Communicates effectively with Clinical Dietitian, Nutrition Data Center and Food Service Supervisors to meet patient's nutritional needs.

Notifies Dietitian, Food Service Supervisor, Clinical Nutrition Manager or Patient Services Manager immediately when patient and nursing services complaints are received; details complaint and any service recovery activities that have been initiated.

Follows established guidelines and uses appropriate food service communication procedures for any necessary nutritional intervention (i.e. communicating food preference, obtaining snacks, notifying dietitian of request for oral supplements, food service complaints, etc).

Must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to communicate appropriately to the age of the patients being served (pediatric, adult, geriatric).

Participates in activities to improve/promote department.

Performs assigned duties (i.e. in-services, quality assurance monitoring, projects) to enhance departmental quality and efficiency.

May participate in the completion of test trays for department quality improvement monitoring and reporting.

Under emergency situation may perform other duties as needed.

May be required to cross train for the Feeding Technician position and assist with formula preparation as needed.

Maintains accurate records as required by regulatory agencies and department policies.

Thank you for your interest in Albany Med Health System! Albany Med Health System is an equal opportunity employer.

This role may require access to information considered sensitive to Albany Med Health System, its patients, affiliates, and partners, including but not limited to HIPAA Protected Health Information and other information regulated by Federal and New York State statutes. Workforce members are expected to ensure that:

Access to information is based on a "need to know" and is the minimum necessary to properly perform assigned duties. Use or disclosure shall not exceed the minimum amount of information needed to accomplish an intended purpose. Reasonable efforts, consistent with Albany Med Health System policies and standards, shall be made to ensure that information is adequately protected from unauthorized access and modification.