Job Description

The Clinical Dietitian Nutritionist 1 is responsible for identifying patient’s at nutritional risk, conducting nutrition assessments and implementing a nutrition care plan based on the patient’s needs. Plans and delivers nutrition care to patients based on the medical diagnosis while implementing principles of growth from infancy through adolescence. Communicates recommendations to physicians and other health care providers. Analyzes the effectiveness of interventions and adjusts as needed. Acts as a nutrition resource for health care team members, students, interns and residents.

• Patient Care
  • Provides medical nutrition therapy including intervention and education for patients and their families identified at nutritional risk.
  • Utilizes the Nutrition Care Process to determine the nutrition diagnosis, develop an appropriate interventional plan and intervene with evidence-based practice.
  • Performs nutrition focused physical exam (NFPE) during assessments on patients to determine risk and/or degree of malnutrition when indicated.
  • Update patient care plans based on monitoring and reassessment.
  • Actively communicates to the health care team changes in the patient's care plan.
  • Follows established department policies for nutrition screening and assessment.
  • Provide inpatient and outpatient intervention and/or education by developing individualized nutrition care plans based on a thorough patient assessment and evaluation of patient nutritional needs.
  • Applies knowledge of medical nutritional therapy and special, age-specific nutritional needs to patient care plans.
  • Utilizes monitoring and evaluation techniques that consider patient nutritional needs as well as cultural, religious and ethnic concerns.
  • Uses appropriate clinical documentation methods for all patient encounters.
  • Documents the nutrition statement in PES format (problem, etiology and sign/symptoms) and provides supporting evidence within the progress notes.
  • Demonstrates accountability for the proper use of patients protected health information (PHI) and adheres to institutional safety practices.
• Education/Professional Development
  • Serves as a resource to health care team medical staff and allied health personnel on nutrition issues.
  • Interprets and presents current clinical knowledge, standard of care and research to improve patient care and nutritional invention.
  • Completes assigned activities - educational materials, updating the Pediatric Nutrition Handbook, etc.
  • Develops and implements an individualized portfolio plan with CDR for continued competence and professional growth as a registered dietitian nutritionist.
  • Applies Scope of Practice, Standard of Excellence, Standards of Practice (SOP) and Standards of Professional Performance (SOPP) tools for credentialed nutrition and dietetics practitioners to determine competence, advance practice and measure and evaluate an organization's programs, services and initiatives.
• Performance Improvement
  • Observe and adhere to all departmental and hospital policies and procedures, follows all safety, quality improvement and infection control standards.
  • Attend meetings as required and assist in improving the quality of patient care by engaging with topics being discussed.
  • Promotes professional performance through participation in staff education programs, approved continuing education courses and specialized skill training programs.
  • Utilize an organizationally approved nutrition care manual and evidence analysis library source to ensure evidence-based practices; keep abreast of new developments. With oversight from supervisor, implement new clinical practices as appropriate.
  • Assist in achieving compliance with regulatory agency standards, including state and federal standards.
  • Participates in department and hospital quality improvement activities.
• Other Duties as Assigned
  • Perform other duties as assigned or requested.

Clinical experience as Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

Working in a Nutrition-related field

Pediatric Nutrition

Bachelor's Degree and completion of Accredited Dietetics Internship Program

Master's degree in Nutrition-related field preferred

Louisiana Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist (LDN)