Job Description Summary

The Clinical Dietitian provides clinical nutrition services including medical nutrition therapy to patients. Is a strong member of health care team integrated in all service areas of the hospital. Nutritional practice is research based using current scientific literature. Goals of care are collaborative and incorporates Patient & Family Centered care. Strong skills needed for nutritional assessments with ADIME method. If needed, responsibilities may include nutrition consultations to patients in SSVNA Home Care Division, with home visits. If needed may need to cover in the Cardiac/Pulmonary Rehab department. And if needed, may include covering in the out-patient GDM clinic.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1 - Screens patients for nutritional risk using: Department standards for the established screening data in EMR; Consults; Daily multi-disciplinary rounds; Meals Rounds. Collaborates with Nutr. Guest Reps, nurses and medical providers and SLP to identify patients needing an assessment or re-assessment.

2. Appropriately prioritize patients for the shift. Documents which patients need assessment notes and the reasons; Documents daily multi-disciplinary care rounds on ‘My Patients’ Worklist and files in drawer daily.

3 - Assesses patients appropriately using the Nutrition Care Process. Uses information from: EMR; daily meal rounds; patient and family; physicians, nurses and other clinical providers. Assessments are accurate, appropriate and use evidence based practice. Notes are timely, effective and use the ADIME outline. Calculations are based on N&FS department policies for standards of practice.

RD works efficiently to be productive and complete appropriate number of notes/day.

4 - Documentation of assessment and recommendations uses the appropriate templates in EMR. Documentation is appropriate, timely and accurate.

5 - Effectively communicates departmental, organization and industry information to coworkers and other clinical staff. Delivery is clear and in a timely fashion. Communication is productive and resolves conflicts which may affect relations and productivity.

a - Provides in-service education to RD staff, or other facility employees/students, as requested by CNM.

b - Requests made to CNM are written and given in a timely manner.

6 – Functions proactively to resolve patient problems, and provide operational excellence so the department delivers quality services in an efficient and effective manner. Works cooperatively with other employees to enhance nutritional care to patients. Refers questions of policy to CNM or to N&FS managers.

7 - Initiates research of scientific literature to update educational handouts; or updates policies and procedures, standards of practice or guidelines.

8 - Seeks knowledge, skills and competency, to maintain registration with CDR; MA license; and an approved Professional Portfolio in good standing. Attends lectures, seminars and reviews professional journals in a timely manner. 

9 - Actively participates in department and hospital meetings, as requested by CNM. Communicates information from Committee meetings to CNM and coworkers. Attendance is evident on the attendance sheets, filed in the Communication Binder.

10 - Shares in responsibility to provide community educational Fairs and presentations, as assigned by CNM. Is proactive in developing agendas and handouts well in advance of the date. Uses powerpoint when available, or other professional tools.

11 - Embraces technology and electronic tools for work processes, and to improve efficiency. Uses computer for literature searches. Uses Outlook and other technology to communicate within the organization

12 - OUT PATIENT COUNSELING for GDM Clinic. In addition to the above essential functions: Coordinate activities to support overall hospital goal of fiscal accountability by helping to grow the out-patient nutrition volume. Become a provider for medical insures as needed. Office is neat, organized, clean and attractive to patients.

a - Work efficiently and use time management to accomplish administrative duties, document notes and send letters to MDs in a timely manner.

b- Order educational forms from Printshop in advance of need.

c – Complete and Process patient Billing and reconciliation each day.

d - Maximize patient appointment within scheduled hours. Establish good rapport with scheduling and pre-registration; UC receptionists.

e - Responsible for out-patient Performance Improvement plan, as directed by CNM: Assist to set the goals; collect data; summarize data; decide action plan and present to CNM on a quarterly basis.

Technology and Learning

a - Participates in continued learning and possess a willingness and ability to learn and utilize new technology and procedures that continue to develop in their role and throughout the organization.

b - Embraces technological advances that allow us to communicate information effectively and efficiently based on role.

UNIT / DEPARTMENT SPECIFIC JOB FUNCTIONS

1 - Other duties as required by manager or director.

2 -Performs work of variety of skill levels and responsibility as directed. May also perform work of a higher level in preparation for increased responsibility and may be requested to work of lesser responsibility when the work load of the department so requires.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Education

Bachelor or Master's Degree in Nutrition from a CDR/A.N.D. approved program. 

Completed Dietetic Internship from a CDR accredited program. 

Passed RD exam or eligible to take RD exam. 

Massachusetts licensure or licensure eligible.

Minimum Work Experience - Preferred

Up to six (6) months to become fully proficient is preferred.

Required Licenses / Registrations

LDN or LDN Eligible - Licensed Dietitian or Licensed Dietitian Eligible in Massachusetts
RD or RD Eligible - Registered Dietitian or Registered Dietitian Eligible

Required additional Knowledge, and Abilities

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Word and Excel preferred; typing ability