Clinical Dietitian (3578)

Position Summary:

The Clinical Dietitian provides comprehensive nutrition care for geriatric residents, hospice patients, individuals in rehabilitation, and those receiving dialysis services. Working as part of a collaborative interdisciplinary care team, this role conducts nutrition assessments, develops individualized care plans, monitors clinical outcomes, and adjusts interventions in response to medical and nutritional changes. The Clinical Dietitian also delivers ongoing nutrition education to staff, residents, families, and community groups, supporting a culture of wellness and evidence-based practice. Through precise documentation, effective communication, and adherence to regulatory standards, this position supports daily clinical operations while contributing to long-term quality and performance initiatives within a coordinated care environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Performs comprehensive nutritional assessments for residents across long term care, rehabilitation, hospice, and dialysis programs, utilizing clinical data, lab values, weight trends, intake logs, and disease specific guidelines.
• Creates and manages individualized nutrition care plans including therapeutic diets, supplementation, tube feeding regimens, hydration strategies, and modifications aligned with resident preferences and medical needs.
• Works closely with interdisciplinary teams such as nursing, physicians, therapy, social services, and dietary staff to ensure coordinated care and compliance with state and federal requirements.
• Provides direct education and counseling to residents and families on nutrition related topics, chronic disease management, therapeutic diet compliance, and healthy eating practices.
• Supports regulatory and quality improvement initiatives through documentation oversight, participation in audits, survey preparation, and adherence to CMS, ND licensing, and facility policies.
• Leads or contributes to community outreach and contracted account services by preparing educational materials, conducting presentations, and offering expert consultation.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Credentialed as a Registered Dietitian by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) or eligible for registration as a dietitian by the CDR.
• Licensed as a Registered Dietitian in North Dakota (ND).
• If eligible must obtain and hold limited license in ND and within 6 months of hire date must obtain RD status by CDR credentialing (After 1/1/24, the ACEND requires anyone taking the registration exam to become a dietitian to have a masters degree.
• Prior to 1/1/24, individuals qualifying to take the registration exam need to have the minimum of a bachelors of science degree in dietetics.

Educational Requirements:

• 4 year degree from college or university and completion of dietetic internship as approved by the CDR.

Experience Requirements:

• Preferred 1 year experience in a health care facility, but not required.

Special Skills or Training Requirements:

• Flexible to changing work environment and ability to function well under pressure.
• Excellent organization and communication skills both written and oral.
• Establish good working relationships with other health care professionals and colleagues.
• Customer service and team oriented. Ability to work under time constraints.

Physical Requirements:

This role requires sustained walking throughout resident care areas, regular periods of sitting for documentation, and the ability to lift or transport materials up to 25 lbs. The dietitian must be able to communicate clearly with residents, staff, and families, including individuals with hearing, cognitive, or speech limitations. Work demands consistent attention to detail, emotional resilience during challenging resident situations, and the ability to multitask and prioritize effectively in a fast paced long term care environment. Occasional bending, reaching, and standing for extended periods are also necessary when assisting with assessments or educational activities.

Environmental Requirements:

The work environment includes long term care, rehabilitation, and hospital settings where the dietitian encounters residents with diverse and often complex medical conditions. Exposure to infectious agents, cleaning chemicals, bodily fluids, and fluctuating noise levels is expected, along with the need to follow strict infection control protocols. The role also involves interacting with residents who may have behavioral or cognitive impairments, requiring patience, adaptability, and strong interpersonal skills. Occasional travel within the facility or to community events may be required as part of educational or consultative responsibilities.