PACE Registered Dietitian

Primary Accountability

The Registered Dietitian/ is responsible for providing nutrition care and education to FHCN PACE participants.  This position evaluates the participant’s nutritional status, develops and implements nutritional care plans, assesses nutrient requirements, recommends nutritional prescriptions, evaluates participant tolerance and effectiveness of nutritional care, and communicates nutritional data and information to the primary care staff and other Interdisciplinary Team members.

Description of Primary Responsibilities:

1. Assessment: Collects participant data and completes required forms with appropriate responses according to department and industry standards; identifies participant’s overt nutritional problems/needs, including proper intake and texture, and sets reasonable priorities. Identifies problems requiring further referral and/or follow-up; assesses participants’ responses and satisfaction with nutrition services.
2. Planning Care: Develops a plan of care based on nutritional therapeutic process, American Dietetic Association (ADA) standards, and which incorporates the plans of other disciplines and continuing care needs; includes the participant /family in developing or revising the nutrition plan of care; and makes referrals to interdisciplinary support services. Initial and periodic assessments (minimally every 6 months) to be completed prior to the scheduled team meetings. Communicates participant changes to team members.
3. Implementing/Managing Care: Ensure that meals being provided conform to accepted nutritional industry standards and organizational/department standards, including proper serving and storage temperatures.  Demonstrate a thorough understanding of age-related characteristics, symptoms, and needs of participants served; provide in-service education to participants, families/caregivers, FHCN PACE staff, and contractors regarding nutritional requirements and special dietary regimens as prescribed by the physician.  Work with primary care physicians to develop nutrition plans and to implement physician orders as necessary and as appropriate to dietary standards. Provide participant and family education in coordination of 24-hour care delivery.  Document all nutrition interventions and recommendations accurately and within departmental time requirements into participants’ charts. Supervise meal service delivery to participants attending day health center, including coordinating meal service with outside vendors, where applicable.  Understand and demonstrate respect for participant rights and utilize established mechanisms for the management of ethical issues in participant care. 
4. Evaluation: Observe, monitor, and record participant nutritional intake as planned and recommend any variation with nutritional plan, with appropriate rationale.  Monitor participant weight and note significant changes to recommend dietary changes as appropriate.  Review diet orders in charts to ensure appropriateness.
5. Leadership: Recognize department problems and take responsibility for documentation; demonstrate active participation in QI processes; proactively report any deficiencies or issues with food service vendor(s) to Center Manager.
6. Interdisciplinary Team (IDT):  Participate as an active and cooperative member of the Interdisciplinary Team. Attend staff meetings and take part in participant care planning.
7. If applicable, oversees contract vendors for food services and/or direct employees.
8. Other projects and duties as assigned.
9. Responsible for the direct provision of nutritional services meeting all established productivity expectations.
   1. Will conduct educational and counseling programs for both individual patients and groups of patients.
   2. Expected to document visits accurately utilizing appropriate templates and record relevant data to attain a diagnosis.
10. Meets Network and credentialing expectations for licensure and employment.
11. Perform interval history and physicals on established participants, completed quarterly or as indicated.
12. Document participant changes appropriately in the medical records and communicate participant changes to IDT in a timely manner. 
13. Participate as a member of the IDT.  Attend staff meetings and take part in participant care planning.
14. Performs other duties as assigned.

Description of Primary Attributes

Professional & Technical Knowledge:

1. Bachelor’s degree in nutrition from an ADA-accredited institution.
2. Minimum one-year work experience as a Dietitian.
3. Either have one year of experience working with a frail or elderly population or, in the absence of such experience, receive appropriate training from the FHCN PACE on working with a frail or elderly population upon hiring.
4. Registered member of the ADA and registered by the Co