DIETICIAN - PT .4

Description

Purpose

According to established hospital and departmental policies and procedures, the Registered Dietitian (RD) reviews data from all patients’ medical records to perform the nutrition care process. The RD performs in depth nutrition assessment to determine the nutrition diagnosis. Appropriate nutrition intervention is recommended. The dietitian must monitor and evaluate the nutrition care plan, determine when resolved or make another recommendation of improvement in nutritional status. The duties of the dietitian are technical in nature and require coordination of care with physicians, nurses, pharmacists and other health professionals. Provides patient, staff, and community education. The dietician provides nutrition education to patients enrolled in the Diabetes Education Program as outlined via the National Standards for the program and as directed by the Program Coordinator. The RD may also provide nutrition consults for outpatients, cardiac rehab patients and pulmonary rehab patients.  

Essential Job Functions

• Assessing Nutritional Needs 
• Developing Individualized Nutrition Care Plans 
• Educating and Counseling Clients 
• Monitoring and Evaluating Progress 
• Collaborating with Healthcare Teams 
• Collaborate with Nutrition Services Manager for meal planning and nutrition guidance of meal preparation 
• Maintaining Documentation 
• Provide diabetes education for blood glucose monitoring, medication management, nutrition management and health lifestyle changes  
• Offer support and motivation to help patients adopt healthier behaviors and manage health effectively 
• Engage in community education efforts to raise awareness of health and disease management 
• Keep abreast of the latest research, guidelines and technologies in MNT 

This list is not inclusive of all duties and responsibilities that may be assigned. They are only listed as typical. Any other duties and responsibilities assigned will be of a similar nature requiring the same relative skill and capabilities. 

Responsibilities and Duties

• Nutritional Assessment, Diagnosis, Intervention, and Support 
• Develops and Implements Nutrition Care Plans 
• Patient Education and Counseling 
• Assists with menu planning 
• Community Outreach & inclusion in Diabetes Support Group as needed 
• Participate in the planning and evaluation of DSMES service 

Requirements

 Knowledge, Skills and Abilities - Competencies

• Medical Nutrition Therapy
• Nutritional Assessment and Diagnosis
• Nutritional science, including macronutrients and micronutrients
• Enteral Nutrition and Feeding Methods
• Food Safety and Sanitation
• Nutrition Research and Evidence- Based Practice
• Diabetes pathophysiology and management
• Glucose monitoring and management
• Behavioral change theories and education strategies
• Nutrition's role in diabetes management
• Medications and their implications for disease management 
• Assessment and Diagnostic Skills
• Communication Skills
• Interpersonal Skills
• Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
• Organization and Time Management
• Collaboration and Teamwork
• Multitasking
• Attention to Detail
• Cultural Competence
• Adaptability to tailor education and support to diverse populations
• Ethical Decision-Making
• Education ability to stay updated on latest nutrition and diabetes research and treatment
• Technological Proficiency

Supervisory Responsibility N/A

Materials Responsibility

Limited: Work requires limited responsibility for material resources. Examples of resources could include supplies, equipment, inventories, small budgets, and other similar material assets. The employee has a limited amount of control over these resources. The cost of error is also limited in terms of damage, waste or financial loss. Problems associated with material resources are not complex. The volume of resources may vary, but the level of difficulty in dealing with these resources is uncomplicated.

Key Relationships

Co-workers/JCRHC Employees, General Public/Visitors/Volunteers, Physicians/ Medical Office Staff, Patients, Diabetes Advisory Board, Community, Families, and Significant Others.

Position Specifications

Education:  Bachelor's Degree in Dietetics, Nutrition or related field; Completion of Dietetic Internship; Licensed Dietitian in the state of Iowa; Registered Dietitian with American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Field of Study: Dietetics/Nutrition

Special Training: Must obtain dietitian registration and license within 6 months; Dependent Adult/Child Abuse Mandatory Reporter Training, within timelines established in Licensure, Registration, Certification and Life Saving training policy.

Training Preferred: Diabetic Education focus

Licensure / Registration: Licensed Dietitian, Registered Dietitian

Experience: Preferred 2 years in healthcare setting.

Interpersonal Skills

Interaction is with a variety of people inside or outside the organization. Communications are of moderate difficulty and sensitivity. Contact with others may involve detailed and lengthy dialogues & exchanges of information. Requires a moderate amount of interpersonal skills. Interactions involve dealing with moderately complicated problem situations or stressful encounters.

Working Conditions:

There is limited exposure to moderately adverse and undesirable environmental conditions. There are some health and safety risks. Position may require safety equipment and precautions. The amount of time the employee may experience these moderate conditions is limited to 10% or less of their workday

Possible Exposure to Blood Borne Pathogens: Yes

Service Excellence Expectations

• Adheres to the “Values and Behavior Statement” of Jackson County Regional Health Center.
• Adheres to HIPAA and maintains confidentiality as relates to all patient and medical information.
• Works in a safe manner at all times and adheres to our safety programs and service expectations.