Summary

20 Hours/week (0.5FTE). FTE can flex based on applicant needs. Off all major Holidays, works 1 weekend every 3 months. Eligible for Clinical Ladder after 90 days of employment

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

Participates as a member of the LGH healthcare team and is responsible for providing Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) and nutrition education to patients of all ages and to members of the community.  The RD serves as a resource for nutrition information to various allied health personnel and assists in integrating the patient’s nutritional care into the total treatment plan. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Qualified individuals must have the ability (with or without reasonable accommodation) to perform the following duties:

• Gathers and analyzes data from the medical history, medication record, lab values, nutritional and social history and through patient interview and/or physical nutrition assessment as appropriate to complete comprehensive assessment of nutritional requirements of patients served on assigned inpatient units. Utilizes current computer technology as it applies to clinical applications and departmental functions.

• Identifies patients at nutritional risk, categorizes level of malnutrition based on ASPEN/AND criteria if present, initiates nutrition intervention(s) as indicated and assigns time frame for follow up care according to established standards.

• Develops and implements nutritional care plan: Communicates plan to heath care team by verbal and written documentation. Assesses outcomes of nutrition interventions. Revises nutrition care plan to attain goals and desired outcomes. Maintains accurate electronic record of care plan; uses electronic care plan as an effective communication tool with fellow nutrition staff. 

• Analyzes physiologic and metabolic responses to PEN

• Tailors nutrition support regimens to the needs of the individual per clinical data and outcomes

• Evaluates social, economic and demographic factors prior in regards to discharge planning for patients receiving PEN

• Demonstrates knowledge of Medicare guidelines regarding PEN

• Obtains required continuing education to maintain professional growth, development and competency.  

• Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (PEN) support: Calculates nutrient requirements and recommends PEN formulations to physicians, Attends multidisciplinary team rounding as appropriate and necessary to promote nutrition outcomes as required by patient unit assignment, Educates individuals and families in nutritional principles, therapeutic dietary plans, food selection, food economics; adapts nutrition plan to the individual’s lifestyle.  Teaches group nutrition classes, and Interprets, evaluates and applies current research and evidence-based information related to nutritional care.  Utilizes these resources to develop and update education materials including the LGH Intranet.

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS: The following duties are considered secondary to the primary duties listed above:

• Attend multidisciplinary team meetings. Conducts in-services and classes to peers, allied health and medical professionals

• Counsels patients on food/drug interactions when appropriate.

• Functions as a liaison to the Food Service Department to promote patient satisfaction.  Assists with patient meal planning when needed.

• Provides clinical guidance to dietetic technicians.  Participates in designing and conducting performance improvement initiatives with physicians, nurses and ancillary departments (such as radiology, pharmacy, speech).

• Gathers and analyzes data from the medical history, medication record, lab values, nutritional and social history and/or physical nutrition assessment as appropriate to complete comprehensive assessment of nutritional requirements of patients served at Lancaster General Hospital. Utilizes current computer technology as it applies to clinical applications and departmental functions.

• Participates in the on-call responsibilities for this position as required.

• Other duties as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor of Science degree in nutrition or related field from an accredited school.

• Certification as a Registered Dietitian, issued by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, or registration eligible/obtaining certification within 3 months from date of hire.

• Licensed in the state of Pennsylvania as a dietitian-nutritionist within three (3) months from date of hire