Clinical Dietitian

Department:
Dietary

Reports To: Chief Operating Officer

Provides nutrition screening, assessments and recommendations to inpatients and outpatients to improve nutritional status.

• Screens and assesses the nutritional needs of clients using specialized knowledge and skills, anticipates the outcome of nutrition interventions. Documents information in progress note area of inpatient chart. Informs nursing, medical staff and involved departments of recommendations.
• Coordinates Diabetes outpatient and inpatient program with Diabetic Nurse Educator. Team teaches series of group classes for people with diabetes. Utilizes process of Diabetes Self-Management Training in educational encounters. Coordinates with Diabetic Nurse Educator, the Diabetes Education and Support Group.
• Interviews patients and/or caregivers to obtain nutrition assessment data and information regarding usual dietary patterns, lifestyle, food purchasing practices and resources, and ability to understand and comply with a therapeutic diet.
• Develops and implements an individualized plan for nutrition intervention in accordance with the patient's medical program goals and objectives, nutrition prescription, and self-management training. Assists patients in developing realistic, long-term health goals and goal-directed behaviors.
• Evaluates the effectiveness and measures progress towards outcomes of medical nutrition therapy interventions. Re-assesses the nutrition care process and implements changes as indicated.
• Organizes outpatient schedule. Obtains medical health information from clinic, if needed. Dictates nutrition notes on outpatients, as required. Maintains ongoing communication with patients, referring physician and other healthcare providers to ensure continuity of care.
• Observes job performance in the Dietary Department and makes recommendations to the supervisor in accordance with the organization administrative policies and standards of the American Dietetic Association. Provides in-services to Dietary staff.
• Coordinates enteral and parenteral feedings with medical staff, pharmacy and nursing.
• Checks on arrival regarding patient census, menus, special diets, or other pertinent needs of the department.
• Conducts and reports on quarterly CQI projects.
• Plans and writes 5-6 week cycle menus, therapeutic coordinated with regular diets for these seasons:
  Spring/Summer, Fall/Winter cycle menus for general and modified diets. Makes revisions on menus, if needed, when new season cycle begins.
• Prepares written material for inpatient and outpatient handouts regarding special diets, drug/nutrient interactions or other nutrition education concerns.
• Conducts yearly meetings of the Nutrition Care Team. Prepares written notes for permanent record.
• Serves as a nutrition resource for organization staff, Kanabec County Public Health Services, and other community organizations. Conducts speaking engagements, as needed.
• Supports the policies and procedures of the organization and the standards of the Joint Commissions required for full accreditation.