Clinical Dietitian - Kennestone PRN

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 healthcare 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. Responsibilities Develop and implement quality services based on client expectation and needs. Collaborate with patients, family members and healthcare team to assess nutrition and education needs. Provide services and establish goals based on the identified needs. Apply knowledge and skills in developing, implementing and maintaining nutrition care plans. Continuously evaluate nutrition care processes and patient outcomes and implement quality practice by following system policies, procedures, and evidence‑based research. Provide care according to organizational ethics, licensure and Standards of Professional Practice for Dietetics Professionals. Apply Joint Commission and/or regulatory standards in the provision of nutrition care. Utilize patient experience and empathy skills when interacting with patients and family members. Participate in multidisciplinary rounds, appropriate committees, and team member huddles. Provide medical nutrition therapy according to system policy and A.N.D. Nutrition Care Process practice standards. Utilize 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 psychosocial, 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 implement transitional feeding plans. Perform Nutrition Focused Physical Exams to evaluate malnutrition severity as appropriate. Assess patient’s learning needs, barriers to learning, preferred learning styles and educational level and provide nutrition education accordingly. Utilize community resources through the continuum of care to foster positive patient outcomes. Locate, review, and utilize best practice research findings for their application in optimally managing a disease or condition and improving patient outcomes. Base clinical practice on sound scientific principles, current research and theory. Share and report research and patient outcomes utilizing various media. Demonstrate knowledge related to clinical practice. Communicate sound scientific principles, research, and theory to health care team members and dietetic interns in optimally managing patients’ care. Share knowledge and expertise with dietetic interns, patients, family members and healthcare team members. Document understanding of relevant information and results of communication with dietetic interns/technicians/patients/families and healthcare team members. Contribute to the development of new knowledge and services. Seek out information effectively and independently to provide effective services. Systematically evaluate the quality and effectiveness of practice and revise practice as needed to incorporate results of evaluation. Participate in and identify performance improvement criteria for nutrition care by completing peer chart audits as assigned and reviewing with their nutrition leader. Continuously evaluate and refine service based on measurable outcomes by keeping a productivity log. Identify expected outcomes of patient care. Participate in quality improvement initiatives and projects. Engage in lifelong self‑development to improve knowledge and skills that promote continued competence. Conduct yearly self‑assessment to identify professional strengths and weaknesses. Identify needs for professional development and mentor dietetic interns. Document professional development activities according to system policies. Engage in continuous learning opportunities to further develop skills and capabilities in application technical and functional areas. Required For All Jobs Perform other duties as assigned. Comply with all WellStar Health System policies, standards of work, and code of conduct. Qualifications Required Minimum Education Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a major in nutrition / dietetics. Completion of a supervised practice didactic program accredited by the Accreditation Counsel for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Required Minimum Certification Registered Dietitian / Nutritionist (RD, RDN) through the Commission on Dietetics Registration (CDR) within 6 months of hire. Licensed Dietitian (LD) through Georgia licensing board obtained within 6 months of hire. AHA‑BLS preferred. Required Minimum Experience One to two years clinical experience highly preferred. Experience with electronic medical record charting systems and other software relative to foodservice systems required. Required Minimum Skills Excellent interpersonal, customer service, verbal and written communication skills. Knowledge of best practices in clinical nutrition and the dietetics profession. Knowledge of Nutrition Care Process and its use in complex cases in the clinical setting. Ability to think critically to apply nutrition interventions to patients with multiple comorbidities and/or special needs including management of enteral nutrition provisions. Ability to maintain effective relationships with other healthcare professionals in sharing nutrition knowledge and expertise. Ability to work with patient interests and health in mind. Knowledge of malnutrition assessment including performance of nutrition focused physical exam preferred. #J-18808-Ljbffr Wellstar Health System