Dietitian, Dietary, Full Time, Days, Jackson South Medical Center

The Dietitian primarily responsibility is to assesses the nutritional and age specific needs of patients. The Dietitian, will assist as needed, in the assessment of patients in all ages. The Dietitian develops and implements nutritional care plans; communicates information pertinent to the nutritional care of the patient through documentation in the patient's medical record and verbally with other care providers. Provides high quality, evidence-based care to patients. Develops and maintains regular and therapeutic meals/menus. Provides nutrition counseling to patients of all ages, their families and/or significant other. The Dietitian actively participates in projects, committees, and/or task forces to improve department and hospital processes and patient care outcome. Stays current with most recent nutrition-related trends, research, policy, certifications and standards of practice. Supervision is received from a professional superior who reviews results for adherence to standards and established hospital policies and procedures.

Assesses nutritional status of patients and initiates appropriate nutritional care in accordance with established guidelines. Reviews medical orders for all diets for patients. Develops and implements nutrition care plans based upon assessment of the patient. Evaluates patient's response, updates care plan and documents assessment plan and response in the patient record. Collaborates with physician and health care team to coordinate care Charts admitting diet orders on all patients (delegates task to Dietetic Technician. Instructs or counsels patients on nutritional needs, diet modifications, and food/drug interactions. Collaborates with the Food Service department to provide nutritionally appropriate menus, food options, and services for patients. Teaches nutrition classes for patients, hospital personnel and community groups. Assumes preceptor role for new associates, student dietitians and/or student volunteers and dietetic interns. Assigns daily patient care responsibilities to the Dietetic Technician. Resource for physicians, hospital personnel and the community regarding nutrition practices. Maintains knowledge of current trends in nutrition. Maintains professional standards by participating in in-services, committees, etc. Actively participates in projects, committees, and/or task forces to improve department and hospital processes and patient care outcomes. Stays current with most recent nutrition-related trends, research, policy, certifications and standards of practice. Calculates modified diets for, specific age populations, diabetic patients and other modified dietary needs, and provides diet counseling for all level III patients who require it, while maintaining hospital safety standards. Demonstrates the ability to assess and react to the needs of patients/customers relative to their age specific, physical, psychosocial, communication, cultural and spiritual needs in an effective and timely manner. Develops and maintains effective working relationships with all other disciplines responsible for provision of services to patients/customers. Interacts in a collaborative manner with patients, families and other members of the health care team. Initiates or participates in performance improvement activities which increase patient satisfaction, operating efficiency and positive patient outcomes. Identifies, reports and resolves process barriers utilizing appropriate/timely interventions. Participates in the on-going orientation process/training of employees. Completes cross-training as required. Charts appropriately in the patient medical record after each patient contact. Shows initiative; needs no reminder to complete assigned work; offers to help others when own assignments are completed. Assumes responsibility for a program unit efficiency and productivity and meets clinical productivity standards. Understands and applies PHT and DSA policies. Follows policies and procedures and uses sound judgment to perform job duties. Maximizes available resources and avoids waste/ duplication. Utilizes available PHT and community resources effectively. Demonstrates flexibility and adapts to changing workloads as necessary to meet PHT and DSA goals. Serves as resource person in nutrition care for medical and nursing care. Performs other related duties as assigned. Directs and supervises work of clinical supportive staff ( Dietetic Technician). Is responsible for their productivity and work flow. Develops age-specific patient education materials and conducts nutrition education classes for patient's and staff, as required. Teaches and precepts in dietetic internship. Meets clinical productivity standards. Participates in health care team activities and patient rounds. Orients new staff members to the clinical practice system. Plans and evaluates care for community components. Assumes responsibility for a program unit efficiency and productivity. Coordinates major projects in the clinical nutrition program such as quality assurance, patient education and evaluation. Performs other related duties as required. Demonstrates behaviors of service excellence and CARE values (Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Expertise).