Clinical Dietitian in Food & Nutrition Services

About the role

Come lead with us at Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital. At Houston Methodist, the Clinical Dietitian PRN position is responsible for functioning as an entry-level clinician for the requirements established by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). This position is responsible for implementing nutritional care according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Nutrition Care Process (NCP) which includes, but not limited to, medical nutrition therapy, nutrition education, monitoring and reassessment of nutrition care plans, recommending consultation of adjunctive services (social services, speech pathology, immediate referral to RN re: pain assessment, etc.) as indicated, and termination of nutrition interventions as clinically indicated.

The Clinical Dietitian position functions as part of the interprofessional team to ensure quality and cost-effective interventions to ensure optimal patient safety, customer service, and optimum patient outcomes. This position works closely with the interprofessional healthcare team to provide inpatient/outpatient care that is integrated and compatible with the patient-focused goals and objectives.

Responsibilities

Functions as a collaborative interprofessional team member by participating in care coordination rounds. Seeks guidance from others and collaborates with all members of the interprofessional care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner.

Implements nutritional care according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Nutrition Care Process (NCP) which includes, but not limited to, medical nutrition therapy, nutrition education, monitoring and reassessment of nutrition care plans, recommending consultation of adjunctive services (social services, speech pathology, immediate referral to RN re: pain assessment, etc.) as indicated, and termination of nutrition interventions as clinically indicated.

Performs Nutrition Focused Physical Assessment (NFPA) as indicated, based on NFPA findings, identifying patients with malnutrition, degree of malnutrition and whether present on admission or hospital acquired. Collaborates with health care team to document correct degree of malnutrition in electronic medical record (EMR) to ensure adequate intervention for positive outcomes.

Requirements

• Graduate of education program approved by the credentialing body for the required credential(s) indicated below in the Certifications, Licenses and Registrations section.
• Completion of dietetic internship accredited by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
• RD - Registered Dietician (CDR) - Commission on Dietetic Registration.
• LD - License Dietitian, State Licensure - Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

Skills

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations.
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security.
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles.
• Working knowledge of local City Food Ordinance guidelines and Health department standards.
• Ability to function independently and exercise judgment in interactions with physicians, interprofessional care team and patients and their families.
• Possesses comprehensive computer knowledge including Microsoft products.
• Exhibits strong interpersonal, teamwork and leadership skills with all levels of the healthcare team and assures delivery of excellent customer service to all patients, visitors, physicians and co-workers.

Qualifications

Completion of supervised practice hours (per Commission on dietetic Registration (CDR) requirements) and/or within a dietetic internship accredited by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Preferred BLS - Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA).