Trauma Nutrition Specialist II

Clinical Nutrition Team Position at R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center

We are seeking candidates to join the Clinical Nutrition team at the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center within the University of Maryland Medical Center. Shock Trauma houses 100 designated trauma beds, including ICU, IMC, telemetry, and floor levels of care. Named for the pioneer of trauma care, Shock Trauma remains a world leader and is dedicated to advancing the care of critically ill and injured patients through innovation and research.

Registered dietitians practicing at Shock Trauma are well positioned to advocate for patient care, train the next generation of trauma and nutrition providers, and advance their professional practice.

Principal Responsibilities and Tasks:

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification.

• Provide medical nutrition therapy to patients admitted to the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center. Shock Trauma is recognized internationally as the leader in trauma care, and nutrition is foundational to the care provided to our patients.
• Actively participate in interdisciplinary teaching rounds in the neuro-trauma and multi-trauma intensive care units. Registered dietitians in Shock Trauma rotate services quarterly to ensure ongoing competence across the range of populations we serve.
• Engage in research, evidence-based practice, and quality assurance initiatives. Shock Trauma RDs have successfully led and published clinical research and seek to remain on the cutting edge of advancements in trauma nutrition practices.
• Uses knowledge and skills to identify and re-evaluate nutrition risk throughout patients stay; independently performs the nutrition care process, including nutrition assessment, diagnosis, intervention, monitoring, and evaluation, specific to age and medical status. In collaboration with team, develops an interdisciplinary nutrition plan of care for patients at high risk. Modifies plan of care according to own professional knowledge.
• Discusses plan of nutrition care (e.g. nutrition support, education, etc.) with patient/and or family; provides medical nutrition therapy as indicated; electronically documents nutrition plan of care and education provided.
• Provides guidance and training to nutritionists, nutritionist I's, dietetic technicians, and interns in conducting nutrition risk assignments, assessments, and in providing nutrition care to patients.
• Maintains regulatory requirements for The Joint Commission. Remains current on all mandatory classes/training.
• Serves as a clinical nutrition resource and provides education and training for the healthcare team (e.g.: physicians, nurses, food service, and other professional staff).
• Demonstrates continuous professional growth by staying current with the field of clinical nutrition. Attends and/or participates in various in-services, training workshops, conferences and other relevant educational programs to maintain state licensure. Utilizes and integrates evidence into departmental practice.
• Expected to practice at an advanced level, possibly within a specialty population, and serve as a resource in area of expertise. Disseminates evidence based practice to peers and multidisciplinary team.
• Leads departmental or unit based process and performance improvement activities such as:
• Identifying areas impacting departmental or unit operations and developing and implementing action plans.
• Collecting and tracking department and/or unit data.
• May lead or participate in unit and/or department based research.
• Supports Dietetic Internship. Opportunities include, but are not limited to precepting, dietetic internship accreditation, support of dietetic internship accreditation, internship rotations, evaluation process, and/or marketing materials. May review application packets and/or participate in the selection process. Provides supportive lectures or workshops.
• Mentors new hires throughout orientation and develops new hire skills to promote provision of patient care in accordance with UMMC clinical nutrition guidelines. Provides daily support and guidance of patient care, documentation standards, medical nutrition therapy and EPIC functionality. Provides support and constructive feedback to guide best practice.
• May participate and represent UMMC in state or national professional organizations. May present or support presentation of independent or clinical nutrition team research.
• Role models excellence in…