What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Clinical Dietitian (Non-Exempt) position at Mercy?
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The Senior Clinical Dietitian uses proficient practice skills, education and experience for clinical leadership and responsibilities including: Assigned clinical and patient care area of responsibility; clinical collaboration within multidisciplinary team including responsibility for standard operations and evidence-based medicine to meet regulatory compliance. Active participation in Performance Improvement projects, serves as clinical nutrition expert in task forces, team huddles, daily rounds, and multidisciplinary meetings. Participates in in-Services for the clinical dietitians, interdisciplinary health care team, dietetic interns, nutrition assistants. Conducts ongoing education and training of competencies for self, new hires, and dietetic interns. Self-directed, manages multiple tasks efficient with appropriate prioritization and critical thinking skills to prioritize effective patient care. Additionally, Senior Clinical Dietitian is responsible and performs duties with minimum supervision, for all patient units or service areas, in-patients or out-patients, to assure appropriate identification of patients who are at nutrition risk and to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) Services.The Senior Clinical Dietitian assures that the Mercy Mission, Mercy Values, Service Standards, confidentiality, policies and procedures of the department and Health Center are followed. This responsibility includes the appropriate utilization of the Health Center's resources to optimize patient care. Performs any assigned duties and responsibilities in a manner consistent with our mission, values, and Mercy Service Standards.
Position Details:
Senior Clinical Dietitian – Pediatrics/PICU
Mercy Hospital St. Louis | Full-Time
Position Overview
Mercy Hospital St. Louis is seeking a highly skilled and compassionate Senior Clinical Dietitian to provide specialized nutrition care for our Pediatric and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) populations. This role serves as a clinical leader within the interdisciplinary healthcare team and is responsible for delivering evidence-based Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT), supporting quality improvement initiatives, mentoring dietetic professionals, and ensuring excellence in patient-centered nutrition care.
The Senior Clinical Dietitian utilizes advanced clinical knowledge, critical thinking skills, and leadership experience to coordinate nutrition care across assigned patient populations, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and promote best practices that support regulatory compliance, patient outcomes, and Mercy's mission and values.
Pediatric and/or PICU experience is strongly preferred.
Key Responsibilities
Clinical Leadership & Patient Care
- Provide comprehensive nutrition assessment, diagnosis, intervention, monitoring, and evaluation using the Nutrition Care Process.
- Perform Nutrition-Focused Physical Exams (NFPE) on high-risk patients.
- Develop, implement, and revise individualized nutrition care plans based on evidence-based practice standards.
- Deliver Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) services to pediatric and critical care patients.
- Provide nutrition education and counseling to patients, families, and caregivers.
- Ensure accurate and timely documentation within the electronic medical record.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Actively participate in daily rounds, multidisciplinary meetings, team huddles, and patient care conferences.
- Collaborate with physicians, nursing staff, pharmacists, case management, and other healthcare professionals to optimize patient outcomes.
- Serve as a clinical nutrition expert and liaison for nutrition-related initiatives and committees.
- Communicate effectively regarding patient progress, care recommendations, and opportunities for clinical improvement.
Quality Improvement & Professional Development
- Participate in performance improvement projects and quality initiatives.
- Support compliance with regulatory, accreditation, and departmental standards.
- Assist in evaluating clinical competencies and identifying education opportunities.
- Promote evidence-based practice and continuous quality improvement throughout the department.
Education & Mentorship
- Provide orientation, training, and mentorship to new dietitians, dietetic interns, and nutrition staff.
- Conduct in-services and educational sessions for clinical dietitians and interdisciplinary team members.
- Serve as a preceptor for dietetic interns and students.
- Maintain current knowledge of emerging nutrition research, evidence-based practices, and clinical guidelines.
Team & Department Support
- Participate in weekend, holiday, and team coverage rotations as needed.
- Maintain an engaging and collaborative work environment.
- Support departmental goals and initiatives while demonstrating accountability, professionalism, and strong organizational skills.
Qualifications
Education
Required:
- Bachelor's Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics
Preferred:
- Master's Degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, or related field
- Board Certification in a specialty area or actively pursuing advanced specialty certification
Experience
Required:
- Minimum of 3 years of clinical dietetics experience in a healthcare setting
Preferred:
- 3–5 years of acute care clinical experience
- Previous experience providing nutrition support and Medical Nutrition Therapy for pediatric and/or PICU patients
- Strong proficiency in the Nutrition Care Process and Nutrition-Focused Physical Exams
Certifications
- Registered Dietitian (RD/RDN) credential required
- Current Licensed Dietitian (LD) status in the applicable state required
- NPI and credentialing requirements completed within six months of hire
- Licensure and registration must remain active and in good standing
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
- Advanced clinical nutrition knowledge and application of Medical Nutrition Therapy principles
- Strong critical thinking, assessment, and problem-solving skills
- Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills
- Ability to effectively prioritize multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced clinical environment
- Strong leadership, mentoring, and teaching abilities
- Proficiency with electronic medical records and Microsoft Office applications
Why Join Mercy?
At Mercy, we are committed to bringing compassionate care and exceptional service to every patient and family we serve. Our Senior Clinical Dietitians play a vital role in advancing patient outcomes, supporting clinical excellence, and embodying Mercy's Mission, Values, and Service Standards.
Come make a difference in the lives of pediatric patients and their families at Mercy Hospital St. Louis.
Why Mercy?
From day one, Mercy offers outstanding benefits - including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, tuition support, and matched retirement plans for team members working 32 hours per pay period.
Join a caring, collaborative team where your voice matters. At Mercy, you'll help shape the future of healthcare through innovation, technology, and compassion. As we grow, you'll grow with us.
keyword(s): Dietitian