Clinical Dietitian / PRN

About the Role

Provides Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) to patients in inpatient and outpatient hospital settings. MNT includes assessment, nutrition diagnosis, and intervention to manage patient care. Collaborates with physicians and healthcare personnel to develop nutrition plans using the Nutrition Care Process for optimal outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Consults with physicians and healthcare personnel to develop and implement nutrition plans using the Nutrition Care Process.
• Documents care process, including initial assessment, consult, and follow-up, in the medical record per policy.
• Serves as an MNT resource professional for other personnel or the community.
• Utilizes effective time management to organize workload, prioritize, and accomplish tasks.
• Identifies problems, collects data, and takes corrective action for quality improvement and process improvement projects.
• May precept Emory Dietetic Interns under the supervision of a mentor dietitian (Level II or higher).
• May participate in presentations to local organizations, civic groups, corporations, and the media on nutrition-related topics.
• Confirms diet orders, assesses appropriateness, implements, manages, or adjusts diet prescriptions for oral, enteral, and/or parenteral nutrition; may write diet prescriptions and document changes in the medical record.
• Develops and implements nutrition care plans and monitors progress as appropriate for the patient’s medical condition.
• Coordinates cultural, religious, ethnic preferences, or medical requirements with Food and Nutrition Services (FNS).
• Possesses and utilizes accurate knowledge of food safety and sanitation.
• Serves as a resource to FNS staff; may evaluate and make recommendations regarding nutritional products and supplies.
• Provides nutrition counseling to patients and caregivers based on identified needs, utilizing available education materials.
• May serve on FNS or hospital-wide committees.
• Assesses, develops, implements, and evaluates nutrition care plans for patients using the Nutrition Care Process.
• Ensures MNT is performed and documented in compliance with The Joint Commission (TJC), CMS, and hospital protocols.
• Provides care with minimal supervision by a Level II, III, or IV Dietitian.
• Ensures continuity of care through effective decision-making resulting in quality patient care.
• Participates in medical rounds, discharge planning, and patient care conferences as appropriate for the clinical assignment.
• Collaborates with FNS and members of the healthcare team to provide efficient, quality patient care.
• Utilizes patient education materials consistent with Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics guidelines and evidence-based practice.
• Utilizes computers and various software programs; may develop written education materials for patients.
• Regularly conducts physical assessments on patients and identifies nutrition diagnoses and interventions for malnutrition.
• May precept dietetic interns in accordance with Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) and Emory standards.
• Initiates development of a CDR portfolio to reflect professional and career goals.
• Maintains licensure and registration through continuing education activities.
• Attends nutrition seminars and teleconferences within the system and at the local level.
• May participate in local, state, and national dietetics organizations' activities and events.
• Completes annual compliance units on time.
• Seeks guidance and expertise from peers and medical personnel to expand professional knowledge for MNT application.
• Completes an average of 15 nutrition-related continuing education units annually.
• Serves as a nutrition resource to physicians, nurses, and other allied health professionals.
• Communicates and interprets nutrition information to staff during physician rounds or patient care conferences.
• May participate in nutrition-related hospital events such as National Nutrition Month.
• May develop written materials for staff benefit.
• May serve as a food and nutrition resource/expert to the community through education.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in food and nutrition or dietetics.
• Licensed as a dietitian in the state of Georgia or licensure-eligible.
• Entry-level Registered Dietitian position.
• Maintains competency in adult and geriatric nutrition.
• Competent in basic computer skills.
• If not currently registered and/or licensed, must obtain registration and/or license within 2 months of hire date.

Physical Requirements

• Medium physical demand: 20-50 lbs occasionally (0-33% of the workday), 11-25 lbs frequently (34-66% of the workday), and 0-10 lbs constantly (67-100% of the workday).
• Lifting up to 50 lbs maximum.
• Carrying objects up to 25 lbs.
• Occasional to frequent standing and walking; occasional sitting.
• Close eye work (computers, typing, reading, writing).
• Physical demands may vary depending on assigned work area and tasks.

Environmental Factors

Environmental conditions may vary depending on the assigned work area and tasks. Exposures may include, but are not limited to:

• Blood-borne pathogen exposure
• Bio-hazardous waste
• Chemicals/gases/fumes/vapors
• Communicable diseases
• Electrical shock
• Floor surfaces
• Hot/cold temperatures
• Indoor/outdoor conditions
• Latex
• Lighting
• Patient care/handling injuries
• Radiation
• Shift work
• Travel may be required
• Use of personal protective equipment, including respirators