Registered Dietician

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

The registered dietician plans, organizes, and conducts dietetic education for nursing personnel and other personnel. Functions as a member of the interdisciplinary team with expertise in nutritional care.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Develops and implements a nutritional plan of care which is based on a comprehensive assessment of nutritional needs as part of the patient's total plan of care. Evaluates and reports results appropriately.

2. The dietician works with the referring physician and interdisciplinary group to provide appropriate counseling to individuals and families/caregivers in the home setting. They evaluate and instruct on nutritional principles, dietary plans, food selection and economics, and adapting plans to the individual's illness, as indicated. They will reevaluate nutritional care by providing home follow-up care either at the patient's residence or by phone.

3. Communicates appropriate dietary history and nutritional care data through written record systems.

4. Records subjective and objective information, assessment, treatment plan, and current progress notes in the patient's clinical records including a discharge summary.

5. Attends interdisciplinary group meetings.

6. Complies with the organization's policies and procedures. Maintains confidentiality and safety of patient records so that no information is divulged to other than proper users.

7. Actively participates in quality assessment performance improvement teams and activities.

8. Performs other duties as assigned.

The above statements are only meant to be a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job related tasks other than those stated in this description.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

1. Prefer Master's degree from an accredited institution with major in foods, nutrition, or dietetics, and successful completion of an internship or equivalent experience.

2. Requires successful completion of courses in methods and principles of teaching

3. Requires membership and registration in the American Dietetic Association.

4. Is licensed by appropriate state(s), if applicable.

5. Demonstrates good verbal and written communication, and organization skills.

6. Possesses and maintains current CPR Certification.

7. Understanding of hospice philosophy and issues of food/fluids for terminally ill individuals.

8. Must be a licensed driver with an automobile that is insured in accordance with state or organization requirements and is in good working order.