Job Description

BASIC PURPOSE OF THE JOB

Responsible for meeting nutritional needs of patients for optimal patient care; assesses nutritional needs, develops and implements nutritional care plans, evaluates and reports results.

REPORTS TO

• Clinical Nutrition Manager

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Supervisory Responsibilities: No

Minimum Education: Bachelors Degree required.

Degree: Degree in Food Science, Nutrition, Food Systems Administration, or related degree.

License/Certification Required: Registered Dietitian in compliance with continuing education requirements of the Commission on Dietetic Registration. Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist in the State of Tennessee.

Minimum Work Experience: One year experience in Clinical Dietetics preferred. Pediatric or neonatal experience desired.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written).
• MS office skills.
• Computer skills.
• Ability to solve problems.
• Excellent organization and time management skills.
• Fiscal responsibility.
• Ability to work with families and providers.
• Customer service focused.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ability to manage pediatric medical nutrition therapy for most patients. Seeks direction from Clinical Nutrition Specialist as appropriate with questions, issues, problems, concerns for complex medical/nutritional/social situations.
• Develops, implements and evaluates a plan of care based on knowledge of physiology and assessment of nutritional needs, correlated with other health care plans.
• Evaluates population-specific nutrition care appropriately and provides follow-up for continuity of care.
• Communicates dietary history and nutritional care data through the medical record.
• Interprets and implements physician’s diet order providing clarification and education for educating parents, families and staff in necessary dietary modifications.
• Assesses nutritional needs, monitors enteral and parenteral feedings to provide optimal nutrition support.
• Counsels individuals and families in nutritional principles, dietary plans, food selection and economics, adapting plans to the individual.
• Works closely with Food Purchasing Manager to obtain medical nutrition products from drug wholesaler, utilizing identified contract items when possible to maximize savings.
• Assists in the development, implementation, and evaluation of quality assurance standards for food and nutrition services.
• Functions as nutritionist on multidisciplinary team.
• Provides individual outpatient nutrition counseling on physician referral.
• Compiles and develops educational materials to use as aids in nutrition education. Plans and conducts educational programs as requested.
• Shares responsibility for On-Call services.
• Effectively communicates appropriate information to patients/families, staff, physicians as well as other nutrition team members in a timely manner.
• Works as a team with other Clinical Dietitians, Clinical Nutrition Specialists, Director, Managers, Supervisors and Food Service Aides for better patient care.
• Demonstrates teamwork and the spirit of cooperation.
• Maintains accurate and timely inventory within responsibility.
• Utilizes hospital resources and time respectfully and accountably. Manages time efficiently and is always contributing while on the job.
• Willingly accepts any other assignment that may be requested.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Note: Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
• Medium lifting, pushing and pulling is required for 20-50 lbs occasionally, 10-20 pounds frequently and 10 lbs constantly to move objects. Sudden emergency situations have the potential for exposure for lifting or moving of up to 100 lbs. Frequent bending, walking, sitting, squatting, reaching, and standing are required. Keyboard/computer use and/or repetitive motions may be required.

Come work where you can make a difference everyday.