Job Description
Department: Dietary
Reports To: Chief Operating Officer
SUMMARY
Provides nutrition screening, assessments and recommendations to inpatients and outpatients to improve nutritional status.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Clinical Dietitian works directly patients on an inpatient and outpatient basis and coordinates nutrition care with a variety of departments, as needed.
- Screens and assesses the nutritional needs of clients using specialized knowledge and skills, anticipates the outcome of nutrition interventions. Documents information in progress note area of inpatient chart. Informs nursing, medical staff and involved departments of recommendations.
- Coordinates Diabetes outpatient and inpatient program with Diabetic Nurse Educator. Team teaches series of group classes for people with diabetes. Utilizes process of Diabetes Self-Management Training in educational encounters. Coordinates with Diabetic Nurse Educator, the Diabetes Education and Support Group.
- Interviews patients and/or caregivers to obtain nutrition assessment data and information regarding usual dietary patterns, lifestyle, food purchasing practices and resources, and ability to understand and comply with a therapeutic diet.
- Develops and implements an individualized plan for nutrition intervention in accordance with the patient's medical program goals and objectives, nutrition prescription, and self-management training. Assists patients in developing realistic, long-term health goals and goal-directed behaviors.
- Evaluates the effectiveness and measures progress towards outcomes of medical nutrition therapy interventions. Re-assesses the nutrition care process and implements changes as indicated.
- Organizes outpatient schedule. Obtains medical health information from clinic, if needed. Dictates nutrition notes on outpatients, as required. Maintains ongoing communication with patients, referring physician and other healthcare providers to ensure continuity of care.
- Observes job performance in the Dietary Department and makes recommendations to the supervisor in accordance with the organization administrative policies and standards of the American Dietetic Association. Provides in-services to Dietary staff.
- Coordinates enteral and parenteral feedings with medical staff, pharmacy and nursing.
- Checks on arrival regarding patient census, menus, special diets, or other pertinent needs of the department.
- Conducts and reports on quarterly CQI projects.
- Plans and writes 5-6 week cycle menus, therapeutic coordinated with regular diets for these seasons: Spring/Summer, Fall/Winter cycle menus for general and modified diets. Makes revisions on menus, if needed, when new season cycle begins.
- Prepares written material for inpatient and outpatient handouts regarding special diets, drug/nutrient interactions or other nutrition education concerns.
- Conducts yearly meetings of the Nutrition Care Team. Prepares written notes for permanent record.
- Serves as a nutrition resource for organization staff, Kanabec County Public Health Services, and other community organizations. Conducts speaking engagements, as needed.
- Supports the policies and procedures of the organization and the standards of the Joint Commissions required for full accreditation.
About Welia Health
Enjoy a Wide Breadth of Practice. Practice with Greater Autonomy.
As a leading provider of healthcare services in East-Central Minnesota and Western Wisconsin, our hospital and clinics are known for our approach to care. It’s no secret what sets us apart: personalized attention, a wellness focus, and a deep sense of community.
If you’ve ever considered venturing to a new location to practice medicine, rural medicine offers a rewarding experience with distinct benefits from other environments:
- Feel appreciated. While about 20 percent of Americans live in rural areas, barely one-tenth of physicians practice there. In communities where the potential for provider shortages are real, your choice to practice here could make a significant difference, because your services are needed.
- Avoid burnout. While our providers are in demand, stress levels tend to decrease while quality of life tends to increase. You’ll breathe fresh air, enjoy wide-open spaces and leave the traffic behind.
- Get to know your patients. The sense of community in small towns often translates to increased loyalty among patients. Doctors and other healthcare providers are highly thought of and find that valuable in establishing a continuity of care.
- Expand your skills. As a rural doctor, you will find yourself wearing many hats and managing a wide range of cases on your own. You’ll hone your skills will becoming more adaptable and confident in practice areas you may not experience otherwise.