Dietitian / Medical Nutrition Therapy

The Clinical Dietitian serves as the Food and Nutrition Services representative in patient care activities. Responsible for providing basic nutrition assessments and care planning for patients. Performs as a member of the interdisciplinary team responsible for the design, coordination and implementation of optimal nutritional care and education of patients/staff in accordance with established standards of care. Performs nutritional assessments and implements plans of care using age-appropriate standards of care, utilizing validated assessment tools and includes nutrition related diagnosis when indicated.

• Monitors and evaluations patient response to medical nutrition therapy using specific goals and determines if changes in the plans of care are indicated.
• Provide nutrition counseling and/or education to patients and care givers based on assessment of individual learning needs.
• Work in partnership with interdisciplinary team and participates in patient care rounds.
• Educates medical staff, dietetic students, and entry level dietitians in the nutritional management of patients.
• Participates in unit, department and/or facility committees/ meetings.
• Collaborates and communicates with the culinary team and clinical departments on established processes, nutrition care, special diets and menu requests.
• Maintain high level of competency and professional development related to nutrition trends, research, policy, certifications, and standards of practice.
• Ensures compliance with all federal, state and local regulations and department/ hospital policies and procedures (e.g. HIPAA/ Privacy act, safety, operations, personnel).
• Participates in performance improvement programs related to patient care to improve department processes.
• Proactively assists in the implementation of patient related programs and development of departmental standards of nutritional care.
• Provides community education/ public speaking as requested.

Stamford Health