Dietitian, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Location: New Westminster

Detailed Overview

Working under general supervision and as a member of the interdisciplinary team, provides clinical nutrition services to support the management of low birth weight and premature infants according to established guidelines, standards, policies and procedures; works collaboratively with the health care team to identify populations at risk for nutritional sequelea; provides information and participates in community outreach; develops educational materials;

participates in research activities and ongoing quality assurance and risk management programs. Responsibilities Assesses the nutritional needs of selected patients by evaluating biochemical, anthropometric, dietary parameters and/or subjective global assessment; develops and implements comprehensive nutrition care plans; makes recommendations regarding nutrient requirements, feeding choices and methods of delivery including the use of total parenteral nutrition, initiation and management of early trophic feeding and advancement of enteral feeds.

Monitors and adjusts nutrition care plans in response to biochemical laboratory data, in consultation with the treatment team; consults with physicians and other healthcare professionals regarding patient response to nutrition care plans; communicates plan to other health care providers, family and/or caregivers in hospital or community. Participates in patient care rounds and clinics by evaluating and reporting on aspects of the nutritional care plan;

maintains and updates patient files and makes notes regarding recommendations or adjustments, according to established guidelines. Develops and provides individual and group teaching sessions for staff and caregivers regarding comprehensive nutrition and support for this population. Completes and maintains appropriate, related records for activities performed including for example, documentation of the nutritional care plan on patient charts, workload statistics, formula requisitions, menus and manual and electronic patient care databases.

Develops written educational materials and related resources for other health care professionals including, dietitians, physicians, nurses, social workers and students. Utilizes and promotes evidence-based care and integrates research findings into current practice; participates in the planning, development, implementation and evaluation of clinical research proposals, projects and surveys regarding the management of low birth weight infants and related therapies, including data collection and analysis;

disseminates research and clinical findings through publications and presentations. Assists the Dietitian Practice Leader in evaluating the program operation and establishing goals and objectives from a clinical nutrition perspective by helping to review caseload, treatment trends and statistics; works collaboratively and uses outcome based indicators where possible to evaluate, review and update nutrition protocols, guidelines and standards of care to ensure that the therapeutic, patient and family needs are met.

Participates, as part of a multidisciplinary team, in community outreach activities, which may include attending clinics and making presentations at conferences, seminars or workshops; provides consultation to the regional, community and paediatric centers and other organizations. Participates in hospital, department and university programs related to teaching; provides suggestions for dietetic intern experiences and provides students with the opportunity to observe and take an active role in the education and treatment of premature or low birth weight infants and neonates.

Provides input to department and program meetings; participates in relevant and related hospital and community based committees, activities and projects. Performs other related duties as assigned. Qualifications

Education and Experience Graduation from a recognized Bachelor of Science degree program in Nutrition and completion of an accredited dietetic internship program. Three years' recent, related clinical and research experience, including comprehensive knowledge of biochemistry, human metabolism, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Advanced nutrition training as a Certified Nutrition Support Dietitian (CNSD), or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience as recognized by the College of Health and Care Professionals of British Columbia to perform enteral and/or parenteral nutrition.

Current registration in the College of Health and Care Professionals of British Columbia and eligible for membership with the Dietitians of Canada (DOC).

Skills and Abilities

Demonstrated background knowledge in nutritional sciences, food preparation and nutrient composition. Comprehensive knowledge of biochemistry, human metabolism and advanced nutrition support. Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of critical care intervention, medication/nutrient interactions, enteral and parenteral support and relevant…