Dietetic Assistant

Summary

JOB SUMMARY:Within the context of a patient/resident/client and family centered model of care and, in accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of Providence Health Care (PHC), the person promotes a safe, respectful, and civil working environment for patients, residents, families, visitors and staff. Reporting to the Dietitian Site Lead, Acute for Clinical Nutrition, the Dietetic Assistant works with Registered Dietitians and other team members to provide nutrition care to patients/residents. The Dietetic Assistant conducts nutritional screening following established protocols and by providing competent and culturally safe care in a variety of settings with diverse populations. Identifies patients/residents at risk for malnutrition, visits patients to obtain diet related information regarding nutritional and therapeutic diet needs and identifies patient/resident food preference/food tolerance/food acceptance. Assists with the implementation of nutrition care plans. Documents activities, such as meal intake and diet-related information, into a patient/resident medical record using computer applications such as electronic health records (EHR) systems, nutritional assessment software and tools, word processing, spreadsheet and computerized client care information applications.Acts as a liaison between Clinical Nutrition and Food Services and works closely with nursing and other clinical staff on the unit. QUALIFICATIONS:Education, Training and ExperienceSuccessfully completed a recognized program in Food Service/Dietary Management, with courses in nutrition assessment, and one year’s recent, related experience, or an equivalent combination of education, such as certification from a nutrition sciences program, training and experience. Food Safe Certificate 1.Skills and Abilities• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.• Ability to deal with others effectively.• Ability to operate related equipment. • Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.• Ability to organize work.DUTIES1. Triages referrals based on pre-established criteria from Registered Dietitians, Health Care team or Food Services by reviewing medical records, current and previous orders, and the Priority Intervention Criteria tool to identify caseload priorities for the day.2. Screens/reviews patient’s information as required from the medical record (current and previous diet orders) and liaises with relevant staff to obtain added necessary information when needed. Facilitates measurement of patient weights and calorie counts. Documents activities in the patient’s medical record. 3. Visits patients and/or patient care partners on one-on-one basis or during meal rounds to obtain and exchange diet-related information and to ensure that the meals, nourishments and oral nutrition supplements are consistent with assigned nutritional plan and that food meets patient’s preferences and dietary needs. 4. Provides assistance during meals, observes and documents food intake in patient’s/resident’s medical record and communicates with the Registered Dietitian when indicated. 5. Communicates predetermined routine diet instruction by reviewing patient education materials as assigned by the Registered Dietitian.6. Acts as a liaison between Clinical Nutrition, patient/resident care units and Food Services. Reports patient complaints with food quality/service and communicates problems to dietitians, food service supervisor or applicable staff as appropriate to enhance food quality and address patient needs.7. Enters and processes information such as menu preferences, oral nutrition supplements and diet texture changes using the electronic medical record and nutrition computer system. Sets up nourishments and marks menus as per standard VCH/PHC diet writing guidelines. 8. Following established protocols, conducts nutritional screenings and preliminary nutrition assessments through patient/patient care partner interviews and review of medical record to determine malnutrition risk using standardized forms/assessment tools. Refers to Registered Dietitian via consult order for further evaluation as indicated. 9. Assists in implementing and following up with nutrition care plans designed by the Registered Dietitian and communicates patient progress including, but not limited to, changing/ordering diet textures/types, adjusting menus to include nutrient dense items and cater to patient tolerances and allergies. 10. Conducts computerized nutritional analysis of menus, recipes and food records using the nutrition computer system. 11. Completes/submits referral forms for community services as assigned by the Registered Dietitian.12. Maintains manuals and statistical information to ensure they are current and accurate for the department. Participates in the quality assurance activities including audits, satisfaction surveys and inspections and provides input into patient/resident menu revisions and nutrition care plans. Completes appropriate reports, provides feedback, identifies and follows up on action plan/risk factors, and makes recommendations for improvements.13. Participates in relevant Department meetings, in-services and presentations and attends related courses.14. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Job Accuracy Posting Flag

The hours of work, including start and stop times, days off, work area and work site may be subject to change consistent with operations requirements and applicable provisions of the Collective Agreement and statutes. **Testing may be required. ***A criminal record check may be required