Inpatient Clinical Dietitian

Job Summary

The Clinical Dietitian is responsible for the nutrition care of all clients in all assigned settings. Responsible for overseeing oral, enteral and parenteral nutrition support for assigned population. Screens, assesses, educates, monitors, and evaluates assigned population according to established practice guidelines and Nutrition Services policies. Collaborates and coordinates patient care with members of the health care team. Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate for the patient population served. Design and implement nutrition strategies that promote life-long health and minimize health and disease related risk factors.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Education: Bachelor's Degree
Minimum Years of Experience: None.
Substitutable Education & Experience: None.
Required Certifications/Licensure: Registered (through examination administered) by the Commission of Dietetic Registration of the American Dietetic Association;  Current license to practice dietetics from the state of South Carolina  (Please note: Registry eligible candidates may be considered with the following provisions: Must provide documentation from Commission of Dietetic Registration of eligibility status, and must complete registration exam and obtain a license to practice dietetics in South Carolina within 6 months of start date as a condition of continued employment).
Required Training: None.

Essential Functions

• Demonstrates competence to provide developmentally appropriate care/treatment for the following patient population: 
  • Infant (Birth to 1 year),
  • Child (1 year through 12 years),
  • Adolescent (13 years through 17 years),
  • Adult (18 years to 65 years)
  • Geriatric (over 65 years)
• Provides input and is active in the development of nutrition screening parameters.
• Provides input and is active in the development of nutrition protocols and policies.
• Collaborates with the patient, family member, and/or caregiver to assess needs, set priorities, establish goals/outcomes and develop individualized care plans. Continues to monitor progress toward achieving goals/outcomes.
• Collaborates and coordinates patient care with members of the health care team.
• Continuously evaluates nutrition care processes and patient outcomes.
• Participate in department and hospital-wide performance improvement data collection.
• Practice reflects best evidence, applicable laws, and other regulatory standards in the provision of nutrition services.
• Performs the key functions of the nutrition care process according to policy.
• Oversee nutrition screening and completes other nutrition risk identification procedures according to established policy. 
• Uses accurate and relevant data and information to identify nutrition-related problems.  (Nutrition Assessment)
• Identifies and labels specific nutrition problem(s) that will be addressed in the plan of care. (Nutrition Diagnosis)
• Identifies and implements planned interventions with the intent of changing or improving a nutrition related behavior, risk factor, or condition. Interventions may include patient education.  Identifies patient goals/outcomes.  (Nutrition Intervention)
• Monitors and evaluates data directly related to the nutrition diagnosis, goals, and interventions to determine progress made in achieving desired outcomes of nutrition care. (Nutrition Monitoring and Evaluation)
• Applies knowledge and communicates effectively with others.
• Demonstrates knowledge related to clinical dietetics practice.
• Communicates and applies sound scientific principles, research, and theory.
• Shares knowledge and information with patients, families, and health care team members, and serves as a preceptor and guides dietetic interns/students in the application of nutrition knowledge and skills.
• Contributes to the development of new knowledge and services.
• Uses resources effectively and efficiently in practice.
• Utilizes system practice guidelines, references, and the nutrition care manual in the provision of nutrition services.
• Considers safety, effectiveness, and cost in providing and delivering nutrition services and products.
• Engages in lifelong learning.
• Conducts self-assessment to identify strengths and weakness at regular intervals.
• Identifies needs for professional development.
• Develops and implements a plan for professional growth.
• Documents professional development activities.
• Adheres to ADA Code of Ethics.
• Applies research findings and best available evidence into practice.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Applies Service Excellence/Expectations to professional practice and is accountable for
• Conforming to policy.
• Demonstrates an optimistic, enthusiastic, professional, career oriented demeanor and is a positive role model consistent with the hospital mission and vision.
• Demonstrates understanding of dress code.
• Demonstrates excellent customer service toward patients, families, caregivers, and peers.
• Demonstrates dependability and reliability when completing assignments.
• Demonstrates reliability by conforming to attendance policy.
• Observes safety and sanitation rules and regulations.
• Maintains a clean, comfortable work environment.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.