Registered Dietitian, Full-time

SUMMARY: The Clinical Dietitian affects the nutritional care of individuals and groups for health maintenance by assessing nutritional needs, by developing and implementing nutritional care plans and by evaluating and reporting the results appropriately. Incorporates current evidence-based research into practice. Complies with guidelines as outlined within the Clinical Nutrition Policies & Procedures Manual.

Duties And Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Clinical Nutrition Manager performs the following:

• Assess the nutrition status of individual patients in health and disease through the life cycle.
• Interviews patients, obtains diet histories, and completes Nutritional Assessment forms under the direct supervision of the Clinical Nutrition Manager.
• Carries out physician's written diet orders and modifies patient menus according to prescribed diets.
• Constructs and coordinates all aspects of nutrition care plan, including identification of short and long term goals, delineation of treatment modalities and education plans, establishment of procedures for implementation of the nutrition care plans, ongoing information gathering and evaluation.
• Communicates and monitors implementation of nutritional care plan; documents all aspects of nutrition care; verifies implementation of the nutrition care plan, ongoing information gathering, and evaluation.
• Evaluates effects of intervention on individual patient nutrition status.
• Plans, organizes, implements and evaluates nutrition education for patients; arranges for follow-up, as needed.
• Communicates pertinent information to other health care professionals; discusses individual patient nutrition care needs with health team members; educates health team on related topics.
• Plans, reviews and provides consultation for the implementation of nutrition care as it relates to the department and the Hospital.
• Communicates daily with the Clinical Nutrition Manager and Food Service Management concerning patient meal service and nutritional care.
• Meets with designated Nursing Staff on assigned units frequently to discuss patient care and develop good rapport.
• Attends nursing conferences when requested.
• Consults with physicians frequently in matters relating to the Food Service Department, patient care, and problems arising from patient's diets.
• Recommends diet changes to physicians to insure patients' welfare.
• Conducts meal rounds.
• Counsels patients and/or families/caregivers, detailing verbal diet instruction and written diet information.
• Records pertinent nutritional care information on the patient's medical record under the supervision of the Clinical Nutrition Manager.
• Participates in continuous quality improvement activities, as appropriate.
• Participates in related dietetic professional activities including applied research; uses current knowledge in nutrition care.
• Develops and conducts nutritional lectures and in-service programs with staff members and community organizations as directed.
• Maintains Registered Dietitian status through attending continuing education programs.
• Practices Standard Precautions.
• Personally adheres to Burke C.A.R.E.S. philosophy by demonstrating positive communication, prompt & respectful service and maintaining an appropriate work environment when working with patients, staff, co-workers, visitors and others.
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  

Education & Experience Required

Bachelor of Science Degree in Food and Nutrition. Credentialed as a Registered Dietitian by CDR, required. Licensed by the New York State Dietetics Licensing Board, required.

Working knowledge of diet office operations. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Must be experienced with computers; to include Microsoft Office, e-mail, and the Internet.

Must be willing to participate in patient satisfaction programs and activities.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8am - 4pm

Must be able to work every 3rd weekend. Some holiday and on call work required