Clinical Dietitian

Job Description

• Conducts comprehensive nutritional assessments of patients to identify individual dietary needs and develop appropriate nutrition care plans. This includes:
  • Interviews patients and document pertinent information on the appropriate nutrition documentation forms
  • Educates and counsels patients and families on nutritional issues, either individually or in groups.
  • Evaluates the appropriateness of the ordered diet and recommend diet order changes as indicated
  • Plans and initiates medical nutrition therapy to patients if indicated by patient requirements and clinical protocol.
  • Recommends substitutions (meals or oral nutrition supplements) if patient is unable to eat the meal provided, in accordance with the patient’s diet restrictions.
  • When necessary/relevant, coordinate care and relate information on assigned patients to food production and catering staff to ensure dietary requirements are met and appropriate dietary recommendations are followed.
  • Completes a nutritional assessment on patients being started and/or already placed on enteral or parenteral nutrition.
  • Provides follow-up nutritional assessments as clinically indicated.
• Collaborates with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure coordinated and effective patient care.
• Participates in multidisciplinary rounds and meetings to contribute expertise on nutrition-related issues and provide recommendations for patient care.
• Develops and implements nutrition-related programs and initiatives within the hospital to promote wellness and disease prevention.
• Cooperates with the catering services staff regarding the provision of therapeutic diets as needed/ requested: updating menus, supervising tray lines, audits, staff training
• Maintains updated and necessary patient education materials. 
• Performs various administrative/educational duties related to public health nutrition programs.
• Maintains professional growth and development through completion of required departmental competencies.