Clinical Dietitian Per Diem

Clinical Dietitian

The Clinical Dietitian provides clinical nutrition services including medical nutrition therapy to patients. They are a strong member of the healthcare team integrated into all service areas of the hospital. Nutritional practice is research-based using current scientific literature. Goals of care are collaborative and incorporate Patient & Family Centered care. Strong skills are needed for nutritional assessments with the ADIME method. Responsibilities may include nutrition consultations to patients in the SSVNA Home Care Division, with home visits, and covering in the Cardiac/Pulmonary Rehab department or the outpatient GDM clinic as needed.

Job Description

• Screens patients for nutritional risk using department standards for established screening data in EMR; consults; daily multi-disciplinary rounds; meals rounds. Collaborates with Nutritional Guest Representatives, nurses, medical providers, and SLP to identify patients needing an assessment or re-assessment.

• Appropriately prioritizes patients for the shift. Documents which patients need assessment notes and the reasons; documents daily multi-disciplinary care rounds on 'My Patients' Worklist and files in drawer daily.

• Assesses patients appropriately using the Nutrition Care Process. Uses information from EMR, daily meal rounds, patient and family, physicians, nurses, and other clinical providers. Assessments are accurate, appropriate, and use evidence-based practice. Notes are timely, effective, and use the ADIME outline. Calculations are based on N&FS department policies for standards of practice.

• Works efficiently to be productive and complete an appropriate number of notes per day.

• Documentation of assessment and recommendations uses the appropriate templates in EMR. Documentation is appropriate, timely, and accurate.

• Effectively communicates departmental, organization, and industry information to coworkers and other clinical staff. Delivery is clear and timely. Communication is productive and resolves conflicts that may affect relations and productivity.

• Provides in-service education to RD staff or other facility employees/students as requested by CNM. Requests made to CNM are written and given in a timely manner.

• Functions proactively to resolve patient problems and provide operational excellence so the department delivers quality services efficiently and effectively. Works cooperatively with other employees to enhance nutritional care for patients. Refers questions of policy to CNM or N&FS managers.

• Initiates research of scientific literature to update educational handouts or updates policies and procedures, standards of practice, or guidelines.

• Seeks knowledge, skills, and competency to maintain registration with CDR; MA license; and an approved Professional Portfolio in good standing. Attends lectures, seminars, and reviews professional journals in a timely manner.

• Actively participates in department and hospital meetings as requested by CNM. Communicates information from committee meetings to CNM and coworkers. Attendance is evident on the attendance sheets filed in the Communication Binder.

• Shares in responsibility to provide community educational fairs and presentations as assigned by CNM. Is proactive in developing agendas and handouts well in advance of the date. Uses PowerPoint when available or other professional tools.

• Embraces technology and electronic tools for work processes to improve efficiency. Uses a computer for literature searches. Uses Outlook and other technology to communicate within the organization.

• Outpatient counseling for GDM Clinic: In addition to the above essential functions, coordinates activities to support overall hospital goals of fiscal accountability by helping to grow outpatient nutrition volume. Becomes a provider for medical insurers as needed. Office is neat, organized, clean, and attractive to patients.

• Works efficiently and uses time management to accomplish administrative duties, document notes, and send letters to MDs in a timely manner.

• Orders educational forms from Printshop in advance of need.

• Completes and processes patient billing and reconciliation each day.

• Maximizes patient appointments within scheduled hours. Establishes good rapport with scheduling and pre-registration; UC receptionists.

• Responsible for outpatient Performance Improvement plan as directed by CNM: Assists in setting goals; collects data; summarizes data; decides action plan; presents to CNM on a quarterly basis.

Requirements

• Minimum Education: Bachelor or Master's Degree in Nutrition from a CDR/A.N.D. approved program. Completed Dietetic Internship from a CDR accredited program. Passed RD exam or eligible to take RD exam. Massachusetts licensure or licensure eligible.

• Minimum Work Experience - Preferred: Up to six (6) months to become fully proficient is preferred.

• Required Licenses/Registrations: LDN or LDN Eligible - Licensed Dietitian or Licensed Dietitian Eligible in Massachusetts; RD or RD Eligible - Registered Dietitian or Registered Dietitian Eligible.

• Required additional Knowledge and Abilities: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Word and Excel preferred; typing ability.