What are the responsibilities and job description for the REGISTERED DIETITIAN position at Humboldt County Memorial Hospital?
Full-Time Benefits include: IPERS, Health, Vision, Dental, Life Insurance, Long Term Disability. PTO & SICK time accrual begins 1st day of employment.
Job Title: Registered Dietitian
Primary Function and Relationship to Total Organization
The Registered Dietitian provides nutrition assessment, education, and medical nutrition therapy (MNT) across inpatient, outpatient, and community settings. This role develops and implements individualized nutrition care plans, collaborates with interdisciplinary teams, and supports disease prevention and management through evidence-based practice.
Reports To: Director of Diabetes Center
Supervises: None
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Inpatient Care (IPC) & Outpatient Services:
- Conduct inpatient clinical (IPC) nutrition assessments and provide education/MNT as appropriate.
- Write and adjust diet and tube feeding orders for IPC patients as appropriate.
- Provide outpatient nutrition consultations and education/MNT.
- Write and adjust diet and nutrition support orders per medical staff-approved protocols and state scope of practice.
- Teach nutrition classes for cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation participants as requested.
- Provide community nutrition education as appropriate.
- Deliver staff training to various departments as requested or appropriate.
- Participate in interdisciplinary care planning in IPC and other relevant areas.
- Develop and implement dietitian-related policies and procedures.
- Documents all assessments, interventions, and outcomes in the electronic health record (EHR) in accordance with regulatory and organizational standards
Long-Term Care & Assisted Living:
- Conduct long-term care (LTC) patient nutritional assessments and care planning.
- Write and adjust diet and tube feeding orders for LTC residents as appropriate.
- Approve cycle menus and therapeutic/modified diets for:
- Inpatient Care
- Long-Term Care
- Springvale Assisted Living
- Provide staff education to LTC and nutritional services as needed.
- Perform nutritional services kitchen inspections.
Physical & Mental Requirements
Physical Activities (as applicable):
- Light to moderate lifting and carrying (up to 44 lbs.)
- Sitting (frequent)
- Walking, standing, bending, reaching
- Operating office equipment
- Ability to see, hear (with or without aid), read, and write
Work Environment:
- Primarily indoor setting
- Works closely with others (patients, staff, providers)
- May involve exposure to:
- Dust
- Noise
- Variable temperatures
- May require travel (e.g., car) depending on job duties
- Schedule may include irregular or extended hours as needed
Educational Requirements
Minimum Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in Dietetics, Nutrition, or related field (required for RD eligibility as of 2024)
- Current registration with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR)
- Completion of ACEND-accredited supervised practice program
- Current licensure in the State of Iowa
- Strong knowledge of medical nutrition therapy and clinical nutrition guidelines.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working in a clinical healthcare setting such as hospitals or outpatient clinics.
- Specialized certifications such as Certified Diabetes Education Specialist (CDCES) or willing to obtain.
- Proficiency with electronic health records (EHR) and nutrition analysis software.
- Experience in community nutrition program development and implementation.
Professional Expectations / Work Environment Standards:
- Maintain courteous and professional interactions with patients, visitors, physicians, and coworkers
- Demonstrate flexibility and a positive attitude toward schedules, assignments, and organizational changes
- Maintain professional appearance and adhere to dress code and ID badge requirements
- Follow policies regarding attendance, sick time, and punctuality
- Use time, equipment, and supplies efficiently and cost-effectively
- Collaborate effectively with coworkers and other departments
Employment Variables:
- Daily schedule varies based on patient needs and assigned duties
- Work schedules are subject to change