Dietetic Technician

SUMMARY Under the general supervision of a Senior Dietitian, Clinical Dietitian, or Lead Dietetic Technician, this role supports Clinical Dietitians by collecting information, reporting observations, and communicating with patients, families, or caregivers. The position involves obtaining nutrition/weight histories, food allergies and preferences, adjusting meal selections, monitoring menu selections, conducting meal rounds to assess food consumption and customer satisfaction, providing education on food choices and meal planning, and reporting observations to assist in documenting and adjusting nutrition care plans. RESPONSIBILITIES Conduct nutrition screening according to pre‑established criteria. Collect and review food and nutrient intake information, including current and previous diets, meal and snack patterns, nutritional supplements, typical foods and beverages, chewing and swallowing difficulties, cultural and religious preferences, and food allergies and intolerances. Obtain anthropometric information from medical records or by interviewing patients, families, or caregivers. Visit patients and review medical records after receiving a department nutrition risk notification to validate the notification and document if high‑risk is not indicated. Communicate results in the designated computer system. Provide nutrition interventions/plans of care, such as menu correction and diet education, as directed by the Clinical Dietitian. Respond to patient inquiries regarding interventions within scope of practice. Verify that the nutrition intervention/plan of care is being implemented and that patient needs are met. Provide nutrition monitoring and support nutrition evaluation through meal rounds, nutrient intake analysis, documentation, and diet reinforcement. Visit patients, family members, and care partners to introduce the menu selection system, review patient progress, discuss nutritional care plans, and conduct ongoing assessments and evaluations of patient condition. Conduct individual and group patient education and nutrition classes, preparing patients for continued care at home. Collaborate with Food Service Management regarding the work and daily activities of the Room Service Hosts. Provide input for performance appraisals and corrective disciplinary action as appropriate. Work with CBord Room Service, Get Well Network, or other electronic menu systems to collect menu choice information and ensure patients with complex diet orders receive balanced meals. Act as liaison between nursing and Food & Nutrition Services. QUALIFICATIONS Completion of a baccalaureate degree from a U.S. regionally accredited college or university, or a foreign equivalent, and completion of an ACEND Didactic Program in Dietetics (or completion within eight months of hire for ACEND prospective students). Thorough understanding of the scientific basis of nutrition and dietetics, with the ability to apply principles to human physiology and disease states, and a foundation in evidence‑based practice. Knowledge of the nutritional values of foods and food groups. Analytical ability to identify overt and potential nutritional problems. Ability to develop nutritional care plans for review by the Clinical Dietitian. Strong oral and written communication skills for effective interaction with patients, families, and hospital personnel. Supervisory skills for providing direction in menu collection. Demonstrated competence in providing nutritional care based on age‑specific competencies and patient cultural, religious, or ethnic preferences. Understanding of and ability to work within the food service system. Computer competency in Microsoft Office. EXPERIENCE Prior experience in a nursing home or hospital setting with food and nutrition and familiarity with hospital electronic health records is desirable. WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Some exposure to communicable diseases when in contact with patients; hazards are minimized by adherence to established safety procedures and precautions. SHIFT & LOCATION Location: Rhode Island Hospital, 593 Eddy Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02903. Work type: Saturday, Sunday, Wednesday. Shift times: 5:30a‑2p, 6a‑2:30p, 6:30a‑3p, 7:30a‑4p, 10:30a‑7p. Daily hours: 8. EEO STATEMENT Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment. #J-18808-Ljbffr