Senior Clinical Dietitian (Non-Exempt)

Mercy

Saint Louis, MO

JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Acute Care, Best Practices, Case Management, Clinical Medicine, Clinical Outcomes, Clinical Practices/Protocols, Clinical Support, Communication Skills, Conferences, Critical Care, Cross-Functional, Dietetics, Documentation, Electronic Medical Records, Establish Priorities, Health Plan, Healthcare, Hospital, Interpersonal Skills, Leadership, Medical Office Administration, Medical Protocols, Medicine, Mentoring, Microsoft Office, Multitasking, Nursing, Nutrition, Nutrition Therapy, Organizational Skills, Outpatient Care, Patient Care, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), Pediatrics, Performance Management, Pharmacy, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Problem Solving Skills, Quality Assurance, Quality Management, Quality of Care, Regulatory Compliance, Risk, Team Player, Time Management, Training/Teaching, Writing Skills
LOCATION
Saint Louis, MO
POSTED
Today

Find your calling at Mercy!

The Senior Clinical Dietitian uses proficient practice skills, education and experience for clinical leadership and responsibilities including: Assigned clinical and patient care area of responsibility; clinical collaboration within multidisciplinary team including responsibility for standard operations and evidence-based medicine to meet regulatory compliance. Active participation in Performance Improvement projects, serves as clinical nutrition expert in task forces, team huddles, daily rounds, and multidisciplinary meetings. Participates in in-Services for the clinical dietitians, interdisciplinary health care team, dietetic interns, nutrition assistants. Conducts ongoing education and training of competencies for self, new hires, and dietetic interns. Self-directed, manages multiple tasks efficient with appropriate prioritization and critical thinking skills to prioritize effective patient care. Additionally, Senior Clinical Dietitian is responsible and performs duties with minimum supervision, for all patient units or service areas, in-patients or out-patients, to assure appropriate identification of patients who are at nutrition risk and to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) Services.

The Senior Clinical Dietitian assures that the Mercy Mission, Mercy Values, Service Standards, confidentiality, policies and procedures of the department and Health Center are followed. This responsibility includes the appropriate utilization of the Health Center's resources to optimize patient care. Performs any assigned duties and responsibilities in a manner consistent with our mission, values, and Mercy Service Standards.

Position Details:

Senior Clinical Dietitian – Pediatrics/PICU

Mercy Hospital St. Louis | Full-Time

Position Overview

Mercy Hospital St. Louis is seeking a highly skilled and compassionate Senior Clinical Dietitian to provide specialized nutrition care for our Pediatric and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) populations. This role serves as a clinical leader within the interdisciplinary healthcare team and is responsible for delivering evidence-based Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT), supporting quality improvement initiatives, mentoring dietetic professionals, and ensuring excellence in patient-centered nutrition care.

The Senior Clinical Dietitian utilizes advanced clinical knowledge, critical thinking skills, and leadership experience to coordinate nutrition care across assigned patient populations, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and promote best practices that support regulatory compliance, patient outcomes, and Mercy's mission and values.

Pediatric and/or PICU experience is strongly preferred.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Leadership & Patient Care

  • Provide comprehensive nutrition assessment, diagnosis, intervention, monitoring, and evaluation using the Nutrition Care Process.
  • Perform Nutrition-Focused Physical Exams (NFPE) on high-risk patients.
  • Develop, implement, and revise individualized nutrition care plans based on evidence-based practice standards.
  • Deliver Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) services to pediatric and critical care patients.
  • Provide nutrition education and counseling to patients, families, and caregivers.
  • Ensure accurate and timely documentation within the electronic medical record.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

  • Actively participate in daily rounds, multidisciplinary meetings, team huddles, and patient care conferences.
  • Collaborate with physicians, nursing staff, pharmacists, case management, and other healthcare professionals to optimize patient outcomes.
  • Serve as a clinical nutrition expert and liaison for nutrition-related initiatives and committees.
  • Communicate effectively regarding patient progress, care recommendations, and opportunities for clinical improvement.

Quality Improvement & Professional Development

  • Participate in performance improvement projects and quality initiatives.
  • Support compliance with regulatory, accreditation, and departmental standards.
  • Assist in evaluating clinical competencies and identifying education opportunities.
  • Promote evidence-based practice and continuous quality improvement throughout the department.

Education & Mentorship

  • Provide orientation, training, and mentorship to new dietitians, dietetic interns, and nutrition staff.
  • Conduct in-services and educational sessions for clinical dietitians and interdisciplinary team members.
  • Serve as a preceptor for dietetic interns and students.
  • Maintain current knowledge of emerging nutrition research, evidence-based practices, and clinical guidelines.

Team & Department Support

  • Participate in weekend, holiday, and team coverage rotations as needed.
  • Maintain an engaging and collaborative work environment.
  • Support departmental goals and initiatives while demonstrating accountability, professionalism, and strong organizational skills.

Qualifications

Education

Required:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics

Preferred:

  • Master's Degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, or related field
  • Board Certification in a specialty area or actively pursuing advanced specialty certification

Experience

Required:

  • Minimum of 3 years of clinical dietetics experience in a healthcare setting

Preferred:

  • 3–5+ years of acute care clinical experience
  • Previous experience providing nutrition support and Medical Nutrition Therapy for pediatric and/or PICU patients
  • Strong proficiency in the Nutrition Care Process and Nutrition-Focused Physical Exams

Certifications

  • Registered Dietitian (RD/RDN) credential required
  • Current Licensed Dietitian (LD) status in the applicable state required
  • NPI and credentialing requirements completed within six months of hire
  • Licensure and registration must remain active and in good standing

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

  • Advanced clinical nutrition knowledge and application of Medical Nutrition Therapy principles
  • Strong critical thinking, assessment, and problem-solving skills
  • Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills
  • Ability to effectively prioritize multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced clinical environment
  • Strong leadership, mentoring, and teaching abilities
  • Proficiency with electronic medical records and Microsoft Office applications

Why Join Mercy?

At Mercy, we are committed to bringing compassionate care and exceptional service to every patient and family we serve. Our Senior Clinical Dietitians play a vital role in advancing patient outcomes, supporting clinical excellence, and embodying Mercy's Mission, Values, and Service Standards.

Come make a difference in the lives of pediatric patients and their families at Mercy Hospital St. Louis.

Why Mercy?

From day one, Mercy offers outstanding benefits - including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, tuition support, and matched retirement plans for team members working 32+ hours per pay period.

Join a caring, collaborative team where your voice matters. At Mercy, you'll help shape the future of healthcare through innovation, technology, and compassion. As we grow, you'll grow with us.



keyword(s): Dietitian

About the Company

M

Mercy

Our Mercy health system was founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1986. But our heritage goes back more than 185 years. It began with an Irish woman named Catherine McAuley, who wanted to help the poor women and children of Dublin. Though Catherine had a modest upbringing, she received an unexpected inheritance that allowed her to fulfill her dreams. In 1827, she opened the first House of Mercy in Dublin, intending to teach skills to poor women and educate children. Many volunteers came to help. A few years later, Catherine founded the Sisters of Mercy, the first religious order not bound to the rules of the cloister, whose Sisters were free to walk among the poor and visit them in their homes. By the time Catherine died in 1841, there were convents in Ireland and England, and in 1843, the Sisters of Mercy came to the United States. In 1871, they traveled to St. Louis and from there throughout the Midwest, beginning what would, today be known as Mercy.

Mercy, named one of the top five large U.S. health systems in 2018, 2017 and 2016 by IBM Watson Health, serves millions annually. Mercy includes more than 40 acute care and specialty (heart, children’s, orthopedic and rehab) hospitals, 800 physician practices and outpatient facilities, 44,000 co-workers and 2,100 Mercy Clinic physicians in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. Mercy also has clinics, outpatient services and outreach ministries in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. In addition, Mercy's IT division, Mercy Technology Services, supply chain organization, ROi, and Mercy Virtual commercially serve providers and patients in more than 20 states coast to coast.

COMPANY SIZE
10,000 employees or more
INDUSTRY
Healthcare Services
FOUNDED
1986
WEBSITE
https://www.mercy.net/