Job DescriptionUnder the direction of the Director of Clinical Nutrition, provides quality nutrition care and education to patients and family members. Assesses the nutritional status of patients and recommends the appropriate nutrition therapy as it pertains to the patients nutritional needs. Provides nutrition counseling to patients and family members as indicated. The senior dietitian is responsible for activities that support patient-focused care within their assigned patient units. The senior dietitian also participates in coordinating departmental initiatives and education programs. Adheres to department and hospital philosophies, standards, objectives, and policies and procedures.
Responsibilities1. Evaluates the nutritional status of patients by reviewing pertinent information obtained from the electronic medical record and the interdisciplinary healthcare team. Applies knowledge of nutrition screening and assessment to specific patient populations to determine their nutritional needs. Conducts nutrition-focused physical exams.
2. Develops population-specific skill set in clinical nutrition assessment.
3. Documents pertinent findings in the medical record as per policy.
4. Provides quality nutrition counseling to patients and family members as indicated.
5. Evaluates nutrition care plans for effectiveness and recommends changes as needed. Uses professional judgment to adapt and apply guidelines, protocols and professional standards of care to the new and changing needs of the patient.
6. Participates in interdisciplinary rounds as needed. Communicates effectively with members of the healthcare team.
7. Assists with the training and development of clinical nutrition staff.
8. Assist with discharge planning as needed.
9. Precepts dietetic interns and instructs them on the competencies required to complete their assigned rotation. Completes student evaluations.
10. Coordinates projects within the department, including providing education via nutrition-related inservices, interdepartmental nutrition education programs, lectures, and community-focused programs. Participates in external speaking events to promote service and education.
11. Assists with the development of and updates to nutrition education materials.
12. Presents department journal clubs.
13. Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications- Bachelors degree or higher from an accredited institution, with completion of ACEND (Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition & Dietetics)-accredited dietetic internship.
- 2 years minimum of experience, including dietetic internship.
- Must be a registered dietitian (RD) from the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
- Certified Dietitian Nutritionist (CDN) from the NYS Department of Education Office of the Professions preferred, not required
