Clinical Dietitian - Kennestone

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Job Summary:

Clinical Dietitian - Kennestone

Practices as a member of the interdisciplinary health care team responsible for the provision of medical nutrition therapy. Fosters continuity of the Nutrition Care Process across all phases of the continuum of care as recommended by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Performs nutrition assessment for patients identified to be at nutrition risk based on criteria outlined by the hospital and best practice standards. Calculates metabolic nutrient requirements according to the age and disease specific needs of patients. Performs nutrition focused physical exam to further evaluate risk of malnutrition as indicated. Develops a nutrition diagnosis as appropriate and consistent with the Nutrition Care Process. Creates and implements a nutrition intervention and care plan for all patients with a nutrition diagnosis. Continuously evaluates and monitors the effectiveness and outcomes of medical nutrition therapy intervention. Provides nutrition education to patients, family, and/or members of the healthcare team on recommended nutrition intervention(s) to accomplish nutrition goals; which may include, but is not limited to any of the following topics: specialized diet, enteral/oral medical nutrition supplements, food selections, eating behaviors, and community nutrition resources. Manages the delivery of nutrition care services according to the site of care assigned. Participates in performance improvement and research activities. Mentors dietetic interns/diet technicians. Actively assess, evaluates and maintains professional development and competencies outlined in the position description.

                                                                         
Responsibilities:

Core Responsibilities and Essential Functions:

• Develops, implements, and promotes quality services based on client expectation and needs:
  * Collaborates with patient and/or family member, and healthcare team to assess nutrition and education needs of patients.
  * Provides services and establishes goals based on the identified needs of patients and/or family members.
  * Applies knowledge and skills in developing, implementing and maintaining nutrition care plans.
  * Continuously evaluates nutrition care processes and patient outcomes and implements quality practice by following system policies, procedures, and evidenced based research.
  * Provides care according to organizational ethics, licensure and Standards of Professional Practice for Dietetics Professionals.
  * Applies Joint Commission and/or regulatory standards in the provision of nutrition care.
  * Utilized patient experience and empathy skills when interacting with patients and family members.
  * Participates in multidisciplinary rounds, appropriate committees, and team member huddles.
• Provide medical nutrition therapy according to system policy and A.N.D. Nutrition Care Process practice standards:
  * Utilizes the Nutrition Care Process and WellStar Nutrition Care Policies when assessing patients.
  * Responsible for nutrition screen, assessment, diagnosis, intervention, and monitoring/evaluation of identified at risk patients.
  * Apply psycho-social, age appropriate, evidence-based nutrition care.
  * Document all patient encounters in the health care record in accordance with hospital and department policies and procedures.
  * Identify, monitor, and evaluate enteral nutrition support regimens. Manage enteral nutrition support under the supervision of medical staff.
  * Develop and implements transitional feeding plans.
  * Perform Nutrition Focused Physical Exams to evaluate malnutrition severity as appropriate.
  * Assess patient's learning needs, barriers to learning, preferred learning styles and educational level and provides nutrition education accordingly.
  * Utilizes community resources through the continuum of care to foster positive patient outcomes.
• Locates, reviews, and utilizes best practice research findings for their application in optimally managing a disease or condition and improving patient outcomes:
  * Bases clinical practice on sound scientific principles, current research and theory.
  * Shares and reports research and patient outcomes utilizing various media.
  * Demonstrates knowledge related to clinical practice.
  * Communicates sound scientific principles, resear