The Clinical Dietitian provides leadership to the health care team for patient/resident nutritional needs. Performs a nutritional screening and/or assessment designed to gather data relevant to the patient/resident's individual nutritional needs, develops a nutritional plan of care, and manages care related to the needs of the patient/resident. The CD communicates with the patient/resident, family, the registered nurse, and other members of the health care team. The CD exercises independent judgment under the general supervision of the Clinical Nutrition Manager.

NON-EXEMPT

Assesses patients' nutritional status according to established standards.

Obtains necessary information from the medical record to determine patient's nutritional status.

Develops nutritional care plans for patients of any age including neonate, child, adolescent, geriatric and terminally ill patients.

Develops nutritional care plans based on the cultural orientation of the patient.

Evaluates the results of nutritional intervention on the patient's nutritional status to determine the need to revise the nutritional care plan.

Improves patient's nutritional status by consulting with physician and other members of the health care team on appropriate nutritional interventions.

Assists in developing and implementing patient nutrition care programs and ensures consistency of programs.

Interacts professionally with patient/family. Provides nutritional teaching and counseling to patient/family in making desired changes.

Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.

Assists in orienting and in servicing new employees to department.

Maintains a good working relationship both within the department and with other departments.

Documentation meets current standards and policies.

Teaches classes and conducts in-services as requested.

Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity.

Demonstrates an ability to be flexible, organized and function under stressful situations.

Conducts rounding to drive patient satisfaction.

Conducts Nutrition Focused Physical Assessments on higher acuity patients.

Demonstrates competence in order entry within scope and per facility policy.

Demonstrates the ability to deal with pressure to meet deadlines, to be accurate, and to handle constantly changing situations.

Demonstrates the ability to deal with a variety of people, deal with stressful situations, and handle conflict.

Professional Requirements:

Adheres to dress code.

Completes annual educational requirements.

Maintains regulatory requirements.

Wears identification while on duty.

Maintains confidentiality at all times.

Attends department staff meetings as required within the department.

Reports to work on time and as scheduled; completes work in designated time.

Represents the organization in a positive and professional manner.

Actively participates in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement (CQI) activities.

Coordinates efforts in meeting regulatory compliance, federal, state and local regulations and standards

Communicates and complies with the Benefis Health System Mission, Vision and Values as well as the focus statement of the department.

Complies with Benefis Health System Organization Policies and Procedures.

Complies with Health and Safety Standards and Guidelines.