Clinical Dietitian-Inpatient, On Call

Job Summary

To assess nutritional needs of patients, develop and implement Medical Nutrition Therapy. To provide nutrition consultation to physicians and evaluate effectiveness of nutrition interventions. Work with Food Service staff to coordinate the food with the diet orders and work to establish quality standards.

Essential Responsibilities

• Assess nutrition needs of patients based upon age specific needs and make nutrition recommendations by analyzing diet history, evaluating for overt signs of malnutrition, evaluating and interpreting lab values and medications, calculating nutrient requirements based on disease state and individual needs. Results are measured by relief of symptoms, changes in lab values and changes in physical condition.
• Develop nutrition care plans and establish treatment goals based upon age specific needs of the patients. Implement dietary modifications and provide follow up to monitor adequacy, effectiveness and tolerance to all forms of nutrition including food, tube feedings, and intravenous nutrition. Results are measured by meeting treatment goals.
• Communicate nutritional care data and recommendations for modifications based upon age specific needs of the patient in nutritional management of the patient through written records, collaboration with physicians, allied health providers, peers and members. Results are measured by changes in patient management based on recommendations.
• Counsel, motivate and teach patients and families the recommended dietary treatment based upon age specific needs and convince them to alter eating and lifestyle behaviors. Results are measured by patient compliance with recommended modifications in diet.
• Maintain quality of care by participating in the quality improvement activities and programs, responding to patient concerns regarding food and diet restrictions and reviewing menus for conformance to dietary prescriptions. Participate in peer review and quality studies to ensure alignment with standards of practice, scope of practice and evidence based medical nutrition therapy.
• Provide medical staff/allied health providers and members with current information on diet therapy, food products and nutritional supplements and community nutrition programs through the evaluation, provision and development as necessary of appropriate educational material and advice. Results are measured by satisfying providers and members with the requested information. Performs other duties as assigned.