BASIC PURPOSE OF THE JOB

Responsible for directing the patient’s nutrition care. Assesses nutritional needs, designs, initiates, and manages the nutrition care of the most complex pediatric patients. Serves as mentor to Clinical Dietitians.

REPORTS TO

• Director—Food & Nutrition

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Supervisory Responsibilities: NO

Minimum Education: Bachelors required; Masters preferred

Degree: Degree required in Food Science, Nutrition, Food Systems Administration or related degree.

License/Certification Required: Registered Dietitian in compliance with continuing education requirements of the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR.). Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist in state of Tennessee. Either Master’s Degree or national certification as Certified Nutrition Support Clinician, Certified Diabetes Educator or Certified Specialist in Pediatrics.

Minimum Work Experience: Three years experience in Clinical Dietetics required. One year pediatric or neonatal experience preferred.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written,) MS Office skills, computer skills, ability to solve problems, excellent organization and time management skills, fiscal responsibility, ability to work with families and providers, customer service focused, mentor to clinical nutrition staff and students.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serves as mentor and resource to Clinical Dietitians and other staff to clarify, revise and strengthen clinical nutrition practice. Develops, implements and evaluates a plan of care based on knowledge of physiology and assessment of nutritional needs, correlated with other health care plans.
• Evaluates population-specific nutrition care appropriately and provides follow-up for continuity of care. Communicates dietary history and nutritional care data through the medical record.
• Interprets and implements physician’s diet order providing clarification and education for parents, families and staff in necessary dietary modifications. Assesses nutritional needs, monitors enteral and parenteral feedings to provide optimal nutrition support.
• Counsels individual and families in nutritional principles, dietary plans, food selection and economics, adapting plans to the individual. Works closely with Food Purchasing Manager to obtain medical nutrition products from drug wholesaler, utilizing identified contract items when possible to maximize savings.
• Assists in the development, implementation, and evaluation of quality assurance standards for food and nutrition services, utilizing current research and adjusting clinical practice accordingly. Functions as nutritionist on multidisciplinary team.
• Compiles and develops educational materials to use as aids in nutrition education. Plans and conducts educational programs as requested. Shares responsibility for On-Call services.
• Maintains hours and reports CBISA information to department designee. Writes accurate enteral nutrition orders upon delegation from the Physician. Writes accurate therapeutic diet orders.
• Effectively communicates appropriate information to patients/families, staff and physicians and other nutrition team members in a timely manner.
• Works as a team with other Clinical Nutrition Specialists, Clinical Dietitians, Director, Managers, Supervisors and Food Service Aides for better patient care and overall departmental planning.
• Demonstrates teamwork and the spirit of cooperation.
• Willingly accepts any other assignment that may be requested.
• Maintains accurate and timely inventory within their responsibility.
• Utilizes hospital resources and time respectfully and accountably. Manages time efficiently and is always contributing while on the job.
• Maintains accurate productivity records monthly and strives to help department reach productivity goals.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Note: Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
• Light lifting, pushing and pulling is required for 10-20 lbs occasionally and frequent moving of objects of less than 10 lbs is required. Frequent sitting with some walking, standing, squatting, bending and reaching is required. Keyboard/computer use and/or repetitive motions may be required.

Come work where you can make a difference everyday.