Clinical Dietitian as needed Job

Summary

Formulates and implements optimal nutrition therapy and evaluates outcomes for assigned patients.  Coordinates nutritional care with other disciplines.  Models appropriate behavior as exemplified in MLH Mission, Vision and Values.

Education/Experience/Licensure

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Knowledge of the Nutrition Care Process and ability to apply all steps of the process.
• Comprehensive knowledge and application of nutrition services and medical nutrition therapy.
• Critical thinking to integrate facts, informed opinions, active listening, and observations.
• Decision making, problem solving, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both written and verbal form to patients, public, hospital and medical staff, and physicians
• Ability to function independently on assigned patient care units.
• Ability to counsel and educate others.
• General knowledge of nutrient analysis, word processing, and spreadsheet software.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Provides the Nutrition Care Process. Formulates and implements medical nutrition therapy plan of care. Documents in accordance with policy, procedure, and clinical practice guidelines.
• Screens, triages, and prioritizes medical nutrition therapy consults.
• Completes nutrition assessments and identifies nutrition diagnosis/problem(s).
• Identifies and integrates trends in anthropometic indices and biochemical data, implications of diagnostic tests and therapeutic procedures, and nutrition focused physical findings to evaluate nutritional status.
• Monitors and evaluates patients responses to the medical nutrition therapy plan of care and adjusts interventions to maximixe therapy. 
• Implements plan of care and works collaboratively with foodservice staff to assure conformance and continuation of nutrition plan of care. Functions as an integral member of the clinical interdisciplinary team and the Nutrition Therapy team. 
• Identifies goals and provides age-specific, culturally appropriate nutrition counseling and education to patients and their families/caregivers. Uses evidence-based nutrition practice guidelines and appropriate instructional methods and tools. 
• Documents in medical record patient's comprehension and anticipated compliance with nutrition guidelines in measurable terms.  Completes Ad Hoc charting for in-patient. 
• Demonstrates professional development and leadership.
• Demonstrates performance measurement and quality improvement.
• Performs other job functions as assigned or requested.
   

Physical Requirements

• The physical activities of this position may include climbing, pushing, standing, hearing, walking, reaching, grasping, kneeling, stooping, and repetitive motion.
• Must have good balance and coordination.
• The physical requirements of this position are: light work - exerting up to 25 lbs. of force occasionally and/or up to 10 lbs. of force frequently.
• The Associate is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity, such as preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; or extensive reading.
• The conditions to which the Associate will be subject in this position: The Associate is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions; job functions are typically performed under conditions such as those found in general office or administrative work.