Clinical Dietitian

Clinical Dietitian

The clinical dietitian provides professional nutrition services for the care and treatment of patients, by screening, assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating individual patient care according to Food and Nutrition Services policies, procedures and standards of care, in conjunction with the medical staff and other ancillary services.

Essential duties include:

• Assesses nutritional status of patients and initiates appropriate nutritional care in accordance with established guidelines.
• Develops and implements nutrition care plans based upon assessment of the patient. Evaluates patient's response, updates care plan and documents assessment plan and response in the patient record.
• Instructs or counsels patients and patients significant others on nutritional needs, diet modifications, and food/drug interactions.
• Participates in medical rounds to maximize nutrition therapy.
• Teaches nutrition classes for patients, hospital personnel and community groups.
• Resource for physicians, hospital personnel and the community regarding nutrition practices. Maintains knowledge of current trends in nutrition.
• Participates in quality improvement initiatives within the hospital and department.
• Participates in clinical research projects that impact nutrition.
• Monitors and evaluates nutritional care provided by dietetic technicians.

General requirements include:

• Demonstrates knowledge and maintains and respects patient right to privacy by following the HIPAA Privacy and Security policies and procedures.
• Adheres to ICARE values and standards of behavior (Innovation, Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Excellence).
• Role model behaviors that value the diversity of our associates, patients and customers and supports creating an environment that is inclusive, welcoming and respectful.
• Communicates with patients, families and customers using AIDET (Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Explanation, Thank).
• Works in a safe manner and promptly reports any hazards identified in the work environment or related to assigned responsibilities.

Education requirements include:

• Bachelor's degree in dietetics from an ASCEND accredited college or university.
• Completion of an ASCEND accredited dietetic internship.
• Current registration with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
• Master's degree in nutrition or nutrition-related field beneficial. Preferred.

Specialized knowledge and skills include:

• Clinical knowledge and analytical abilities necessary to formulate effective nutrition care plans in conjunction with other multi-disciplinary team members to provide appropriate patient care.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills to communicate effectively and appropriately with patients, families, physicians and other hospital associates.
• Able to demonstrate the knowledge and skill necessary to provide care based on physical, psycho/social, educational, safety and related criteria, appropriate to the age of the patients serviced in her/his assigned service area as related to the principle duties and responsibilities of the position.