Bariatric Dietitian

This position reports to the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Program Practice Manager /Coordinator and/or surgeons.  The Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Dietitian provides nutrition guidance and counseling to metabolic and bariatric surgery patients through development, implementation, and monitoring of dietary recommendations pertaining to weight loss surgery.  Provision of clinical nutrition care requires knowledge of the principles of weight loss surgery and the ability to analyze data, assess nutrition status and formulate nutrition care plans.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Supports and promotes the mission and values of Covenant Health Ministry.

• Screening and Assessment—Assess the metabolic and bariatric surgery patient by screening the medical record; completing a comprehensive assessment based on medical record data and interview with the patient; and by assessing the patient based on religious, cultural and ethnic preferences.

• Nutrition Counseling—Recommends appropriate nutrition intervention to the metabolic and bariatric surgery patient preoperatively and postoperatively based on subjective and objective data, including but not limited to, protein parameters, iron level, vitamin levels, and calcium level.

• Education—Educates patient based on cultural, religious and ethnic preferences.  Individualizes patient education materials based on patient’s age and comprehension levels.  Provides appropriate resources and education according to identified need. Documents education provided, including evidence of family teaching (as applicable), measurable understanding of principles discussed, and assessment of anticipated compliance.  Participates in patient group teaching as needed.  Serves as a nutrition educator by providing education, lectures and programs to St Mary’s Health System  Hospital staff, patients and community.  Evaluates and develops nutrition education materials.

• Performance Improvement—Identifies issues, collects, evaluates and reports data as assigned.  Participates in problem solving and resolution of issues.  Collaborates with others in committees, work groups or projects designed to improve services.

• Communication—Participates in metabolic and bariatric surgery team rounds/meetings and assigned committees.  Collaborates with physicians, nurses and other allied health staff to provide patient care.  Documents nutrition referrals, as needed, to ensure quality nutrition care throughout the continuum of care.  Documents nutritional care in the medical record, according to established policy, procedure and standards.

• Documentation—Documents desired outcomes specific to the individual patient problem(s), diagnosis(es), learning capabilities/limitations, and progress towards established goals

• Professional development—Maintains CPEU’s as required by the Commission of Dietetics Registration (CDR) and State Licensure in order to maintain credentials.  Develops and provides in-service education to department staff, colleagues and other departments.

• Administrative Responsibilities—Assists with development of department standards, guidelines, and policies and procedures. Adheres to all regulatory standards.  Serves as a preceptor for dietetic interns and/or students.

• Other duties as consistent with this role.

Job Requirements

Job Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of the Nutrition Care Process and ability to apply all steps of the process.

• Comprehensive knowledge and application of nutrition services and medical nutrition therapy.

• Critical thinking to integrate facts, informed opinions, active listening, and observations.

• Decision making, problem solving, and collaboration.

• Ability to communicate effectively in both written and verbal form to patients, public, hospital and medical staff, and physicians

• Ability to function independently on assigned patient care units.

• Ability to counsel and educate others. 

• General knowledge of nutrient analysis, word processing, and spreadsheet software.

• Must be able to speak clearly, read, write, and comprehend the English language.

Education and Experience

• Licensure as a Dietitian

• Master’s degree in dietetics, foods and nutrition, or related area, granted by a U.S. regionally accredited college or university preferred.

• Completion of a didactic program in dietetics and supervised practice program approved by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE).

• Bariatric Dietitian experience