Clinical Dietitian

Summary

GENERAL SUMMARY:

The Clinical Dietitian is responsible for managing an assigned group of patients including assessing patients nutritional status; identifying and prioritizing patient's nutrition diagnoses or nutritional needs; determining and implementing evidence-based nutrition interventions; evaluating patients' response to care and progress toward clinical outcomes; and educating patients/family members regarding nutrition therapy options and expected results. The Clinical Dietitian participates in interdisciplinary care planning, and communicates nutritional information to health care team members.

PRINCIPAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. *Commits to the mission, vision, beliefs and consistently demonstrates our core values.

2. *Initiates assessment and reassessment for patients identified at nutritional risk, including the nutrition focused physical exam for evidence of nutrient deficiency/excess.

3. *Synthesizes pertinent initial and ongoing patient data to identify nutrition diagnosis and desired outcomes/goals.

4. *Determines and implements individualized age-appropriate nutrition treatment plans by utilizing evidence-based practice as per department standards.

5. Uses the nutrition care process as a framework to guide problem identification, treatment and evaluation, and comprehensive documentation of nutrition care and patient outcomes.

6. *Provides education for the patient and family to meet identified patient needs according to their needs, abilities, preferences and readiness to learn.

7. *Evaluates the patient's response to and effectiveness of nutrition interventions.

8. *Evaluates patient's progress toward established outcomes.

9. Incorporates cultural considerations into the plan/delivery of care.

10. *Documents patient care and related information according to the Bryan Medical Center procedures for documentation.

11. *Collaborates with team members, patients and patient's family members to implement, monitor and evaluate the treatment plan to improve or maintain nutritional status.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's degree in Dietetics or Food and Nutrition with post baccalaureate internship resulting in registration by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) as a Registered Dietitian (RD). Masters degree preferred. Current Licensed Medical Nutrition Therapist (LMNT) licensure from the state of Nebraska required. Prior clinical nutrition experience in specialty area preferred.