Dietitian - Nutrition Therapy

General Summary of Position
Monitors nutritional care, manages physician-ordered therapeutic diets, and provides nutritional education to patients. Implements protocols, patient care, and metabolic/sterile kitchen supervision and teaching. Participates in the development of nutrition projects, research, and educational programs.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Contributes to the achievement of established department goals and objectives and adheres to department policies, procedures, quality standards, and safety standards. Complies with governmental and accreditation regulations.

Assists with in-services of departmental associates regarding medical nutrition therapy, policy and procedure, and other topics as assigned by the Director.

Attends health care team meetings regularly to discuss patient care needs. Consults with nursing personnel and patients concerning patient diets.

Communicates individually with physicians, nursing, and ancillary staff regarding patient care for individuals at risk.

May provide both pre-operative and post-operative nutrition counseling to patients enrolled in bariatric surgery program in order to assist with dietary and behavioral modifications necessary to ensure success.

Documents relevant aspects of nutritional care for patients in the medical record. Prepares written documentation as required by the profession and the department.

Educates patients on modified diets through individual discussions with the patient and family as requested by the health care team patient and/or family.

Maintains department records, care plans, reports, and files as required.

May assist with supervision of the Diet Office, providing guidance and technical assistance as needed.

May circulate on assigned patient floors during meal distribution and evaluates patient meal acceptance by observing patient food intake and reactions. Provides appropriate feedback and direction to the department to improve problem areas.

Participates in rounds and patient/resident care plan meetings. Serves as an educational resource to the institution, providing technical assistance to nursing, medical personnel, and ancillary staff.

Provides classes on nutrition-related topics as requested by the institution for outpatient and community settings.

Provides high-quality medical nutrition therapy: reviews medical records of patients/residents for nutritional consults and of those with abnormal nutritional parameters. Provides appropriate recommendations.

Represents the department on quality improvement teams and committees.

Tracks patient care via the computer information systems. Enters patient-specific information (for example, meal patterns, allergies, likes/dislikes, and nourishments) into Computrition as needed.

Minimal Qualifications
Education

Bachelor's degree in Dietetics required

Nutrition related field required

Experience

Prior work experience not required

Licenses and Certifications

American Dietetic Assoc - ADA registration required

REG DIET - Dietitian - Registered License to practice as a Dietitian/Nutritionist in the State of Maryland or District of Columbia within 6 months of hire. within 180 Days required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Verbal and written communication skills.

Basic computer skills preferred.

This position has a hiring range of $61,838 - $111,259.

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