Clinical Dietitian- Immunodeficiency Clinic

The Clinical Registered & Licensed Dietitian, (RD, LD), is responsible for initiating and providing nutritional care to pediatric, adolescent, and select adult patients in assigned service lines; participating in the development, implementation and evaluation of department goals; and ensuring compliance with Joint Commission and external regulatory bodies. The Clinical RD, LD provides health education to the medical team, patients and caregivers, and the community as requested. The position may also participate in clinical research, quality improvement initiatives and hospital committees.The RD, LD demonstrates competence (age/developmental/medical/cultural) in skills defined in duties and responsibilities.

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• Initiates and provides complete nutritional care of inpatients and/or outpatients on assigned service lines. Develops, updates and/or implements standards of patient care applicable to the assigned patient population. Ensures high-quality standards consistent with current evidence-based practice (EBP) nutrition research.
• Completes nutrition screening and assessments according to established protocols to determine each patient's specific nutrient needs. Develops and implements appropriate nutrition care plan and documents nutrition-related information in the patient's electronic medical record (EMR), chart or written report (in the case of a private physician referral) as appropriate.
• Interprets appropriateness (age/developmental/medical/cultural) of diet orders for modified diets, enteral feedings, and infant formulas based on recommendations made in the current diet manuals approved by the Hospital's medical executive director.
• Oversees the assignment of nutrition intervention, and/or other department activities, to Dietetic Technician(s), Registered (DTR) based on the job description and accepted nutrition standards and guidelines.
• For in-patient units, reviews (or delegates review of) modified menus for appropriate age/developmental/medical/cultural food selection by patients based on the individual nutrition care plan.
• Monitors and calculates (or delegates calculation of) the nutrient intake of patients as requested by the physician or RD, LD and documents summary in the EMR or appropriate report (in the case of a private physician referral). Uses clinical expertise to make recommendations for any modification or supplementation.
• Provides (or oversees delegation) of patient education regarding specific modified diets and/or normal nutrition as prescribed by the physician and adapts information for home use. Using clinical expertise, assesses/designs/updates/ patient education materials. Documents patient/caregiver comprehension in the EMR or in the case or private patients, sends a report to the referring physician.
• Serves as a consultant in response to nutrition-related inquiries from patients/caregivers, medical staff and the Education Foundation.
• Attends and participates in pertinent patient care conferences and physician/team rounds on assigned services to improve communication and facilitate the provision of high quality patient care. Collaborates with the medical team to provide high quality patient care.
• Monitors (or delegates the monitoring of) patients receiving enteral nutrition therapy. Evaluates the patient's response to therapy through anthropometric and laboratory indices. Documents recommendations for therapy changes in the EMR and patient cardex (if appropriate).
• Participates in the development, implementation and evaluation of departmental goals to enhance patient care.
• Serves as a preceptor to assigned dietetic students. Assigns patient care-related work to students, monitors students' performance, and provides regular written and verbal feedback. Monitors students' calculations and ensure appropriate involvement in patient care. Communicates and collaborates with the students' instructors as needed.
• Shares informative education to Clinical Nutrition, Lactation, Nutrition Services, Nutrition Support Services, medical, nursing and allied medical staff members on nutrition-related topics. Maintains current (EBP) knowledge.
• Participates in clinical research, quality improvement initiatives and hospital committees as needed.
• Participates in educational activities to develop/enhance/maintain licensure and registration requirements. Focuses on activities to enhance age/developmental/medical/cultural knowledge and skills.
• Demonstrates RD, LD competencies on an annual basis and completes hospital mandatory education on an annual basis.
• Collaborates with Nutrition Services staff to coordinate patient food preference, data collection, menu modification, and formula/enteral feeding preparation, use and appropriateness.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Bachelor's degree in nutrition, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) registration, and licensure to practice as a dietitian from the Ohio Board of Dietetics; OR licensed permit with completion and passing of the RD exam within 3 months of employment.
• Experience as a clinical registered & licensed dietitian preferred; clinical pediatric experience desirable.
• Analytical and organizational skills required to evaluated patients? nutrition needs, with age/developmental medical/cultural appropriateness in mind, and to formulate and implement care plans.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills required to educate patients, families/caregivers, hospital staff and the public; and to write reports and correspondence and document patient care activities.
• Effective interpersonal skills required in interactions with patients and families/caregivers, NCH medical, nursing and allied medical staff, other clinical registered & licensed dietitians, occupational therapists and speech therapists, other hospital personnel, other agencies and institutions, and the public.

MINIMUM PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Note frequency as Constantly (67-100%), Frequently (34-66%) and Occasionally (0-33%) for each requirement. Also note any lifting requirements with pound limit.

Sitting - frequently

Talking on phone/in person - frequently

Typing on a keyboard - frequently

Standing/walking - frequently

The above list of duties is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this classification. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties performed by the individual so classified, nor is it intended to limit or modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. EOE MF/Vet/Disability