Clinical Dietitian

• Reports to the Manager of Nutritional Services or Manager of Clinical Nutrition. Renders professional nutritional care to hospital patients according to established policies, procedures, standards of care, and priority screening. Reviews medical records in order to assess nutritional needs and develops nutritional programs in conjunction with the healthcare team. Provides education for patients, families, team members, physicians, and nursing staff. Evaluate indicators for the aspects of care in the quality improvement process.

MISSION, VALUES and SERVICE GOALS

• MISSION: We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.
• VALUES: Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.
• SERVICE GOALS: Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team.

Screens and assesses nutritional needs of patients and develops nutritional care plans by:

• Interviewing patients, reviewing medical records, and consulting with interdisciplinary personnel and the medical staff in order to obtain necessary patient information. Tasks may include:
• Evaluating the appropriateness of the physician's initial diet order and adjusting as necessary.
• Performing the NFPE (nutritional-focused physical exam) to determine nutritional status.
• Reviewing labs, medication, feeding modality, skin condition, and diagnosing malnutrition.
• Documentation in the EHR.

Renders professional nutritional care to Hospital patients according to established policies, procedures, standards of care, and priority screening by:

• Regularly visiting patients in order to review their progress and discuss their nutritional care plan; conducting continual nutritional assessment and evaluation of the patient and revising plans as the patient's condition warrants.
• Monitoring patient’s intake and charting such data in the patient chart as requested.
• Monitoring patients who are NPO or on a textured modified diet.
• Evaluating patients receiving enteral and parenteral nutrition per standards of care.
• Conducting patient education, one-on-one or in a class setting; preparing the patient and their family for continued care at home.
• Participating in tray assessments and tray accuracies as scheduled.
• Monitoring for drug and nutrient interactions.
• Participating in the discharge planning process and attending staff meetings to evaluate the patient's condition from a nutritional perspective and recommending programs, procedures, etc., which will enhance the patient's rehabilitation.

Participates in the quality improvement process by:

• Attending departmental meetings and assisting in monitoring indicators and implementing follow-up plans.

Maintains in-service requirements by:

• Participating in continuing education and in-service programs to maintain AND (Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics) registry.
• Maintains continuing education hours for the State of Michigan Licensure.

Provides nutritional education by:

• Teaching team members, physicians, and the community by conducting training and providing group and individual instruction on nutrition-related topics through in-services.

Performs other functions to maintain personal competence and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the department by:

• Completing other job-related assignments and special projects as directed.
• Representing the Nutritional Services Department in interdepartmental teams and committees.
• Meets regularly with the Manager of Nutritional Services or Manager of Clinical Nutrition and kitchen staff to develop innovative ideas for patient service quality improvements.

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Associate complies with the following organizational requirements:

• Attends and participates in department meetings and is accountable for all information shared.
• Completes mandatory education, annual competencies, and department specific education within established timeframes.
• Completes annual employee health requirements within established timeframes.
• Maintains license/certification, registration in good standing throughout fiscal year.
• Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR) and other certifications as required by position/department.
• Consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protect patient and self.
• Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance.
• Complies with established organization and department policies.
• Available to work overtime in addition to working additional or other shifts and schedules when required.

Commitment to Beacon's six-point Operating System, referred to as The Beacon Way:

• Leverage innovation everywhere.
• Cultivate human talent.
• Embrace performance improvement.
• Build greatness through accountability.
• Use information to improve and advance.
• Communicate clearly and continuously.

Education and Experience

• The knowledge, skills, and abilities as indicated below are normally acquired through the successful completion of a bachelor's degree in Dietetics or a related field, an AND approved training program and attainment of CDR registry or eligibility for registration within 6 months of employment in this position.

Knowledge & Skills

• Requires knowledge of nutrition and physiology; also requires knowledge of hospital and department policies and procedures.
• Requires the analytical abilities necessary to assess a patient's condition and design a nutritional care program consistent with diagnoses, assessment, and treatment plans of other healthcare disciplines.
• Demonstrates the interpersonal and communication skills (both verbal and written) necessary to effectively counsel patients and family and to interact with other healthcare professionals for presentations and documentation.
• Demonstrates ability to maintain the confidentiality of patient and family information in accordance with HIPPA guidelines.

Working Conditions

• Works in an office and patient care environment.

Physical Demands

• Requires the physical ability and stamina to perform the essential functions of the position.