Clinical Dietitian

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Holds the role of nutrition care expert and is responsible for evaluating medical records, physician orders, performing nutritional assessments and reviewing clinical information as it relates to standards of practice. Responsible for managing an assigned group of patients including assessing patients malnutrition risk; identifying and prioritizing patient's nutrition diagnoses or nutritional needs; determining and implementing evidence-based nutrition interventions; evaluating patients' response to care and progress toward clinical outcomes; and educating patients/family members regarding nutrition therapy options and expected results. Develops and maintains strong provider and hospital relationships by participating in interdisciplinary care planning and communicating nutritional information to health care team members to improve malnutrition and clinical outcomes.

PRINCIPAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. *Commits to the mission, vision, beliefs and consistently demonstrates our core values.

2. *Initiates assessment and reassessment for patients identified at nutritional risk, including the nutrition focused physical exam for evidence of nutrient deficiency/excess.

3. *Synthesizes pertinent initial and ongoing patient data to identify nutrition diagnosis and desired outcomes/goals.

4. *Determines and implements individualized age-appropriate nutrition treatment plans by utilizing evidence-based practice as per department standards.

5. Uses the nutrition care process as a framework to guide problem identification, treatment and evaluation, and comprehensive documentation of nutrition care and patient outcomes.

6. *Provides education for the patient and family to meet identified patient needs according to their abilities, preferences and readiness to learn.

7. *Evaluates the patient's response to and effectiveness of nutrition interventions in collaboration with nursing, pharmacy, therapies and nutrition and dining services.

8. *Evaluates patient's progress toward established outcomes.

9. Incorporates cultural considerations into the plan/delivery of care.

10. *Collaborates daily with a Provider/Registered Pharmacist on parenteral nutrition management while monitoring labs, patient condition and goals for nutrition optimization.

11. Documents patient care and related information according to the Bryan Medical Center procedures for documentation.

12. *Collaborates with Providers, interdisciplinary team members, patients and patient's family members to implement, monitor and evaluate the treatment plan to improve or maintain nutritional status.

13. Serves as a consultant to ensure continuity of care, "best practice" and system improvements for nurses, patient/families, health-care disciplines and the community.

14. Serves a preceptor to dietetic interns. Oversees integration of knowledge of nutritional biochemistry to physiology, health and disease. Applies Nutrition Care Process to patient assessments and aiding interns to identify, analyze and communicate reasons of deviation from expected outcomes.

15. Commits to self-directed professional development for knowledge, competence, and experience pertinent to work responsibilities.

16. Performs clinical nutrition telehealth assessments, outpatient pediatric education/documentation, panel expert for community nutrition hot topics.

17. Maintains professional growth and development through seminars, workshops, and professional affiliations to keep abreast of latest trends in field of expertise.

18. Participates in meetings, committees and department projects as assigned.

19. Performs other related projects and duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. Maintains clinical competency as required for the unit including but not limited to age-specific competencies relative to patient's growth and developmental needs, annual skill competency verification and mandatory education and competencies.

2. Knowledge of federal and state regulations related to clinical nutrition applications.

3. Knowledge of the principles, best practices and theories of nutrition.

4. Knowledge of hospital, staff and community based agencies and resources appropriate to support patient needs and family education.

5. Knowledge of nutrition-related laboratory results and interpretation and medication/nutrient interactions.

6. Knowledge of nutritional assessment, therapy and management methods and procedures.

7. Knowledge of parenteral nutrition components and enteral feeding practices.

8. Knowledge of computer hardware equipment and software applications relevant to work functions.

9. Skill in patient teaching and communication methods.

10. Ability to assess and interpret data reflective of the patient's status and determine each patient's nutrient requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs.

11. Ability to perform a nutrition focused physical examination.

12. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

13. Ability to perform crucial conversations with desired outcomes.

14. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of personnel and medical staff.

15. Ability to problem solve and engage independent critical thinking skills.

16. Ability to maintain confidentiality relevant to sensitive information.

17. Ability to prioritize work demands and work with minimal supervision.

18. Ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's degree in Dietetics or Food and Nutrition required. Registration by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) as a Registered Dietitian (RD) and current Licensed Medical Nutrition Therapist (LMNT) from the state of Nebraska, are both required within one (1) year of start date.

In the interim, any candidate must be RD/LMNT eligible and must be working under the supervision of a licensed RD/LMNT. Master's degree preferred. Prior clinical nutrition experience in specialty area preferred.

OTHER CREDENTIALS / CERTIFICATIONS:

Nutrition Support Clinician certification preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

(Physical Requirements are based on federal criteria and assigned by Human Resources upon review of the Principal Job Functions.)

(DOT) - Characterized as sedentary work requiring exertion up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body.

Walking, taking stairs and/or moving within the facility for several hours each day is typical.