POSITION SUMMARY:

Provides comprehensive nutrition assessments and develops care plans for patients.  Plans special diets and instructs patients/significant other and/or hospital personnel in principles of nutrition and modifications of normal diet to maximize the patient’s education and motivation to address their specific nutritional issues.  This position is a primary liaison with the interdisciplinary healthcare team.  Will possess typical knowledge and skills of nutrition care principles for acutely or chronically ill patients within specialty areas (e.g., diabetes, cardiovascular, oncology, renal, surgical, nutrition support).  Will provide care within JCAHO and ADA standards to maximize the quality of inpatient and outpatient care.  Will plan and adapt informational/educational materials, menus, etc. for specific patient groups.  Will attend interdisciplinary care rounds.  Will participate in the orientation and training of new employees and dietetic students.  Will utilize the Meditech computerized system.  Will provide Medical Nutrition Therapy to outpatients, as needed.  Excellent communication and counseling skills.

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION:

Bachelor’s degree in food and nutrition required. Must be a Registered Dietitian. Licensure in the State of Connecticut required.

COMPETENCIES:

Must be able to read, write, speak and comprehend the English language. Must have access to reliable transportation to travel between multiple work sites; and travel is required in order to perform essential duties.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:
Disclaimer: Job descriptions are not intended, nor should they be construed to be, exhaustive lists of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with the job.  They are intended to be accurate reflections of the principal duties and responsibilities of this position.  These responsibilities and competencies listed below may change from time to time.

Job-Specific Competency

Knows and applies acceptable implementation of “Standards of Care” policy, “Levels of Care” grid (criteria for assigning nutrition risk levels) and “Clinical Nutrition Services:  Assessment and Reassessment” form for inpatients. Applies skill in nutrition assessment given patient age/disease specifics. Demonstrates ability to incorporate individualized nutrition care plan into interdisciplinary plan of care. Knows and implements re-assessment/monitoring procedures for inpatients and outpatients. Demonstrates ability to provide individual and/or group nutrition education needs based on learning needs assessment. Knows and applies acceptable implementation of correct procedures for documentation in medical record via Meditech:  (1) Process Interventions – Interdisciplinary Plan of Care  (2) Problems-Goals-Interventions  (3) Initial Assessment  (4) Follow-Up Notes  (5) Interdisciplinary Education Record  (6) Completing MD consults, Nursing consults and queries. Knows and applies acceptable application of charging inpatients & outpatients for services and education rendered via Meditech. Participates in interdisciplinary inpatient rounds. Knowledgeable regarding application of nutrition support (enteral & parenteral) and is able to analyze food/drug interactions and laboratory data. Completes monthly productivity report. Uses basic computer skills to assist in developing and maintaining educational materials and/or power point presentations. Remains current in knowledge and application of JCAHO standards and Connecticut State Department of Health regulations. Complies with ADA portfolio / CEU’s (75 CEU’s in 5 years) and meets ongoing requirements. Participates in clinical monthly in-service. Attends monthly departmental meeting.

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