Clinical Dietitian - Inpatient - Relief/Per Diem

Onsite – 300 Pasteur Dr, Palo Alto, California

About the role

The RLF Clinical Dietitian I works closely with the multidisciplinary healthcare team to provide patient care that is integrated and compatible with the patient-focused medical goals and objectives. Primary responsibilities include application of the Nutrition Care Process (NCP): nutrition assessment, determination of the nutrition diagnosis, development and implementation of nutrition intervention(s), and monitoring and evaluation of the patient's progress. The RLF Clinical Dietitian I uses the Scope of Dietetics Practice Framework (SODPF) to determine scope of practice, established Standards of Practice and Professional Performance (SOP/SOPP) in nutrition care and practice-specific dietetics, and evidence-based practice protocols/nutrition practice guidelines to help determine nutrition intervention(s). Clinical Dietitians I are typically early in their career or have recently completed their internships/pre-professional experiences. The RLF Clinical Dietitian I consults with a higher-level employee for guidance on complex patients or issues.

Responsibilities

• Performs comprehensive nutrition assessments through the collection and analysis of evidenced-based parameters (anthropometric, medical/clinical, biochemical, diet history, and physical examination data) for patients identified at nutritional risk.
• Identifies nutrition problems and determines etiology of the nutrition problem.
• Develops patient care plans including nutrition interventions and goals that consider varied needs of age and population-specific groups as well as cultural, religious, and ethnic concerns.
• Develops nutrition interventions and goals focused on the etiology of the nutrition problem; defines the time and frequency of care including intensity, duration, and follow-up.
• Monitors, evaluates, and documents patient nutrition-related outcomes through selection of indicators relevant to the nutrition diagnosis or signs or symptoms, nutrition goals, medical diagnosis, and outcomes and quality management goals using standardized indicators.
• Assesses educational needs and provides nutrition counseling based on individual needs, including nutrient requirements, knowledge and abilities, and medical, economic, and social situation.
• Communicates and influences nutrition interventions determined by the medical team through participation in interdisciplinary meetings, rounds, medical conferences, and nutrition-related in-services.
• Delegates or coordinates nutrition plan of care with other healthcare professionals, including coordinating care with other dietitian(s) across the continuity of care spectrum.
• Serves as a nutrition resource and expert to others, including students, medical staff, health professionals, and/or the general public; conducts in-services and educational presentations to hospital/department staff.
• Participates in community projects and education as needed/assigned.
• Works cooperatively with food service staff to ensure conformation to nutrition prescriptions.
• Serves as preceptor for dietetic students and interns; facilitates learning experience by providing instruction and feedback.
• Participates in continuous quality assessment and improvement activities; attends departmental and interdisciplinary meetings, task forces, and projects as assigned.
• Maintains productivity standards and practices effective time management and prioritizing of tasks.
• Maintains accurate record-keeping of daily clinical activities, including information for scheduling and billing; manages resources (time, materials, and staff) in a cost-effective manner.
• Practices charge capture procedures in a timely manner according to established protocols and regulations; submits all required documentation, reports, and logs in a timely and professional manner per department standards.
• Maintains dietetic registration and continuing education requirements; develops and implements an individualized portfolio plan for professional growth and development.
• Performs other similar or related duties as requested or directed.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in dietetics, nutrition, or nutrition-related field from an accredited college or university.
• Completion of a didactic program in dietetics and supervised practice program approved by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
• One (1) year of work experience as a clinical dietitian or completion of a strong clinically concentrated dietetic internship.

Skills

• Knowledge of the Nutrition Care Process and ability to apply all steps of the process.
• Comprehensive knowledge and application of nutrition services and medical nutrition therapy.
• General knowledge of electronic medical record, nutrient analysis, word processing, and spreadsheet software.
• Ability to communicate effectively in written, verbal, and electronic form to patients, public, hospital/clinic and medical staff, and physicians.
• Ability to function independently on assigned patient care units and/or outpatient clinics.
• Ability to counsel and educate others.
• Critical thinking to integrate facts, informed opinions, active listening, and observations.
• Decision making, problem solving, and collaboration.

Licenses and Certifications

• Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) required within 90 days of hire.

Pay

Generally starting at $43.77 - $56.90 per hour. The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty, and training.

Schedule

Part-time, 0.0 FTE, 8-hour day shifts.