Allied Health - Hospital - 37837472

About the role

Dietitians provide expert nutrition guidance and support to clients to help them achieve optimal health and manage chronic conditions. The ideal candidate will assess patients' nutritional needs, develop individualized care plans, and provide education to promote healthy lifestyles.

Responsibilities

• Assess patients’ dietary habits, health conditions, and nutritional needs through interviews and evaluations.
• Develop, implement, and monitor individualized nutrition plans based on clients' health status, preferences, and goals.
• Educate patients and clients about proper nutrition, healthy eating habits, and disease prevention.
• Collaborate with healthcare professionals (physicians, nurses, therapists) as part of a multidisciplinary care team.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of nutrition plans, making adjustments as necessary.
• Document patient progress and maintain accurate medical records in accordance with HIPAA and facility standards.
• Provide nutrition counseling and support for conditions such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease, food allergies, eating disorders, and gastrointestinal disorders.
• Lead or participate in community outreach, wellness workshops, or corporate health programs.
• Stay updated on current nutrition science, food trends, and health regulations.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant food service and safety regulations if working in institutional settings.

Work Settings

• Hospitals and clinics
• Long-term care and rehabilitation facilities
• Private practice or outpatient settings
• Schools and universities
• Public health agencies
• Corporate wellness programs
• Research and academia

Requirements

Dietitians must typically meet state licensing or certification requirements in addition to national registration through the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). Requirements vary by state:

• States That Require Licensure: Alabama, Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, West Virginia (and several others—over 30 states require licensure).
• States That Require Certification (less strict than licensure): California (Title protection only — use of the title "Dietitian" is regulated), Colorado, Virginia.
• States With No Licensure or Certification Requirements: Arizona, Michigan, New Jersey.