Dietitian PRN

About the Role

Responsible for assessing the nutritional status and providing individualized nutrition care plans and education from the analysis of the electronic medical record and patient interview for each hospitalized patient utilizing specialized knowledge and skills.

Responsibilities

• Assess the nutritional status and provide individualized nutrition care plans for each designated hospitalized patient, including discharge planning.
• Educate and counsel patients of all ages (infant, child, adolescent, adult, geriatric) and their significant others/caregivers on diet modifications required for continued recovery.
• Document findings, actions, and summaries of assessments, follow-ups, and diet instruction comprehension in electronic medical records.
• Review and modify patient room service meal selections as needed; update the diet office computer system with follow-up timeframes, snacks, and supplement needs.
• Participate in department meetings and dietary staff small group meetings; meet regularly with the Director and Chief Clinical Dietitian.
• Communicate with dietitians, nutrition assistants, communications operators, supervisors, room service staff, nurses, and other healthcare team members.
• Handle phone inquiries regarding nutrition-related questions from inside and outside the hospital.
• Conduct formal classroom instruction in medical nutrition therapy as needed.
• Attend interdisciplinary patient rounds when required.
• Complete nutrition-focused physical exams on patients at the dietitian’s discretion.
• Enter diet orders for changes, nutrition supplements, and/or nutrition support in the electronic health record/diet office computer system.
• Provide individual outpatient diet instruction for all age levels upon referral and give feedback to physicians as needed.
• Perform nutrition-focused physical exams in association with nutrition assessments.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s of Science degree in Dietetics from a four-year college program.
• Completion of the Coordinated Undergraduate Program, Internship Program, or other qualifying experience approved by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
• Registration-eligible upon completion of an approved internship program or qualifying experience; must pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) exam within two attempts.
• Current registration with the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
• Current license with the State of Iowa for Dietetic Practice.
• Credentialing in an area of specialization is desired.
• Proof of completion of Mandatory Reporter abuse training for child and dependent adult abuse within three months of hire.

Physical Demands

• Constant (67%-100% of workday):
  • Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by spoken word, including conveying detailed instructions.
  • Hearing: Perceiving sounds at normal range to receive detailed oral communication.
• Frequent (34%-66% of workday):
  • Reaching: Extending hands and arms in any direction.
  • Standing: Particularly for sustained periods.
  • Walking: Moving about to accomplish tasks, especially short distances.
  • Grasping: Applying pressure with fingers and palm.
  • Fingering: Working primarily with fingers (e.g., typing, pinching).
• Occasional (33% or less of workday):
  • Repetitive motions: Substantial movements of wrists, hands, and/or fingers.

Light work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds frequently. Walking and standing are required for sustained periods. If a patient cannot function independently, mechanical/assistive devices or additional personnel must be utilized. Objects over 50 lbs. require additional equipment/personnel.

Visual Acuity Requirements

• Reading menus, patient lists, messages, computer systems, correspondence, instruction and educational materials, and electronic health records.
• Calculating patient nutritional needs and intakes.
• Writing, analyzing data, inspecting, and checking patient menu selections in the room service computer system.

Intellectual and Emotional Requirements

• Adaptability to plan daily activities for optimal patient and co-professional benefit.
• Interpret feelings, ideas, or facts from a personal viewpoint.
• Influence opinions, attitudes, or judgments about ideas or things.
• Make generalizations, evaluations, or decisions based on sensory, judgmental, measurable, or verifiable criteria.
• Deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions.
• Perform repetitive work or continuously follow set procedures without loss of efficiency or composure.
• Perform under stress during emergency, critical, or unusual situations.
• Attain precise limits, tolerances, or standards.
• Switch between varied tasks without loss of efficiency or composure.
• Maintain high standards of courtesy, cooperation, and job performance in a stressful hospital environment.

Tools and Equipment

Standard medical and nursing equipment, special equipment, or office equipment found in the assigned area.

Working Conditions

• Not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.
• Subject to food spills and wet spots on floor surfaces.