Dietitian

JOB DESCRIPTION

The position description is a guide to the critical duties and essential functions of the job, not an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, qualifications, physical demands, and work environment conditions. Position descriptions are reviewed and revised to meet the changing needs of the organization.

TITLE: Dietitian

JOB OVERVIEW: The Dietitian is responsible for quality patient nutrition care management through assessments, recommendations and nutrition care orders, provision of diet education, and multidisciplinary communication. This position represents and acts as a resource for the Nutrition Services Department.

DEPARTMENT: Food Management and Nutrition Services (FMNS) Department

WORK HOURS: Day shift; typically 8:00a - 4:30p but hours may vary.

REPORTS TO: Manager of Clinical Nutrition and Patient Services

PREREQUISITES:

Current Registered Dietitian (RD) by the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Current Certified Dietitian in the State of Washington, or eligible to obtain certification. Certification must be obtained within 90 days of employment.

Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association or American Red Cross is required within 90 days of employment.

One year of experience as a Registered Dietitian is preferred.

Ability to work independently and maintain a professional demeanor.

Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Demonstrates good interpersonal skills to interact effectively in a diverse population.

Demonstrates courteous and professional behavior towards patients, visitors, co-workers and staff.

Display integrity in personal and organizational behaviors and practices.

Able to communicate and work effectively with the physical and emotional developments of all age groups.

Demonstrates experience in providing excellent customer service.

Demonstrates basic knowledge of working a computer.

UNIQUE PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS, ENVIRONMENT AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

Requires ability to work on weekends and holidays.

Extensive walking (65% + of shift)

Lifting of moderate to heavy weights (5-20kg).

Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range.

Requires the ability to handle multiple demands simultaneously.

Requires frequent changes and interruptions to respond to all requests.

Requires independent problem-solving skills, compiling information and explanation of department procedures and services.

Requires frequent trips from the FMNS Department to patient units and patient rooms, charting and overseeing the maintenance of accurate records

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

Generic Job Functions: See Generic Job Description for Clinical Support Partner

Essential Responsibilities and Competencies:

Adjust meal plans for patients according to their developmental age (neonatal, infant, pediatric, adult, geriatric) and cultural needs.

Screen and assess patients per departmental standards and update patient diet orders; record patient lab data.

Maintain responsibility for nutritional care of Level 3 and Level 4 risk patients and document changes or necessary data in a timely manner.

Work cooperatively with other members of the health care team and the FMNS department using Evidence-Based Practice guidelines to accomplish necessary tasks in the provision of optimal patient care.

Educate and instruct patients on diets and nutrition as needed or per protocols.

Recognize and adopt activities appropriate to the specific needs of the patient population and demonstrate knowledge of specific issues directly related to age of the patient population.

Maintain continuing education in areas of pediatric, adult and geriatric nutrition per clinical job specificity.

Assist with reviewing and updating education materials for patients, departmental procedures, and policy revisions as assigned.

Provide feedback on Epic change requests and department documentation as ass