Clinical Dietitian

Summary

Under the general supervision of the Senior Clinical Dietitians Specialists and the Clinical Nutrition Director/Supervisor and in accordance with established policies, procedures, and departmental standards of practice, the Clinical Dietitian (Brown University Health) provides nutritional care to hospital patients throughout Brown University Health. The role involves interviewing patients and/or family members, reviewing electronic health records, assessing nutritional needs, and developing nutrition plans of care.

The Clinical Dietitian monitors and evaluates indicators and outcomes data directly related to the nutrition diagnosis, goals, preferences, and intervention strategies to determine progress and adjust interventions accordingly. Progress is documented and nutritional plans updated in the electronic health record. The Clinical Dietitian directs the activities of support personnel in the assigned work area as needed.

• Use accurate and relevant data to identify nutrition-related problems.
• Assess current and past information related to personal, medical, family, and psychosocial/social history.
• Measure anthropometric indicators (height, weight, BMI, arm circumference) and compare to reference data.
• Evaluate laboratory profiles (acid-base balance, renal function, endocrine function, inflammatory response, vitamin/mineral profile, lipid profile) and medical tests and procedures.
• Obtain, assess, and reassess findings from the Nutrition-focused physical examination (NFPE) (e.g., vitamin/mineral deficiency, edema, muscle wasting, subcutaneous fat loss, pressure injuries, oral health, feeding ability).
• Collect food and nutrition-related history, including intake, medication, diet supplement use, knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes.
• Estimate nutrient needs using reference data and standards.
• Collect and review data from dietetic technicians, other health care practitioners, patients, or staff.
• Identify possible problem areas and determine nutrition diagnosis.
• Re-evaluate and revise diagnoses per departmental standards of care.
• Plan interventions based on best available evidence and guidelines.
• Document nutritional care plans in the Interdisciplinary Plan of Care and update them regularly.
• Participate in the discharge planning process, recommending programs and procedures to enhance readiness for discharge.
• Conduct individual and group patient nutrition education (inpatient and outpatient).
• Provide nutrition education to physicians and other health care professionals through seminars and workshops.
• Represent Food & Nutrition Services at interdisciplinary meetings.
• Participate in patient satisfaction initiatives and department programs in customer service.
• Participate in department quality improvement programs and financial and productivity measures.
• May be requested to participate in community and media programs.

• Bachelor's Degree in Food and Nutrition or a related concentration from a U.S. accredited college or university approved by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
• Completed ACEND accredited supervised practice program and passed the national examination for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN) by the Commission of Dietetic Registration (CDR). If registration eligible, provide documentation of scheduled registration exam date.
• License as a Dietitian/Nutritionist in the state of Rhode Island (must be obtained within 3 months of hire). Proof of application for license to be submitted upon employment.
• Thorough understanding of the application of principles of nutrition to human physiology in adult and pediatric disease states.
• Thorough knowledge of the nutrition care process and the nutritional values of food and food groups.
• Analytical ability to identify overt and potential nutritional problems.
• Ability to develop nutritional plans of care.
• Ability to communicate nutrition education through formal and informal channels.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Administrative ability to direct and coordinate delivery of quality nutrition care.
• Maintenance of Commission on Dietetic Registration requirements (75 hours of continuing education every five years) and Rhode Island LDN requirements (20 hours every two years).
• Membership preferred in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and relevant practice groups such as the Medical Nutrition Practice Group (MNPG) or the Pediatric Nutrition Practice Group (PNPG).
• Ability to resolve patient food service satisfaction issues through knowledge of patient service operation.
• Proficient computer skills in MS Word. MS PowerPoint and MS Excel preferred.
• One to two years of experience as a Clinical Dietitian, preferred.

$58,489.60 - $96,491.20

Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment.