Inpatient Clinical Dietitian (Fulltime/Days)

Description

Penn Medicine is dedicated to its tripartite mission of providing the highest quality of care to patients, conducting innovative research, and educating future leaders in medicine. Working for this leading academic medical center means collaborating with top clinical, technical, and business professionals across all disciplines.

About the Role

Qualified individuals must have the ability (with or without reasonable accommodation) to perform the following duties:

• Gathers and analyzes data from the medical history, medication record, lab values, nutritional and social history and through patient interview and/or physical nutrition assessment as appropriate to complete comprehensive assessment of nutritional requirements of patients served on assigned inpatient units.
• Utilizes current computer technology as it applies to clinical applications and departmental functions.
• Identifies patients at nutritional risk, categorizes level of malnutrition based on ASPEN/AND criteria if present, initiates nutrition intervention(s) as indicated and assigns time frame for follow up care according to established standards.
• Develops and implements nutritional care plan: Communicates plan to heath care team by verbal and written documentation. Assesses outcomes of nutrition interventions. Revises nutrition care plan to attain goals and desired outcomes. Maintains accurate electronic record of care plan; uses electronic care plan as an effective communication tool with fellow nutrition staff.
• Analyzes physiologic and metabolic responses to PEN. Tailors nutrition support regimens to the needs of the individual per clinical data and outcomes.
• Evaluates social, economic and demographic factors prior in regards to discharge planning for patients receiving PEN.
• Obtains required continuing education to maintain professional growth, development and competency.
• Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (PEN) support: Calculates nutrient requirements and recommends PEN formulations to physicians.
• Edutes individuals and families in nutritional principles, therapeutic dietary plans, food selection, food economics; adapts nutrition plan to the individual’s lifestyle.
• Teaches group nutrition classes as needed, and interprets, evaluates and applies current research and evidence-based information related to nutritional care. Utilizes these resources to develop and update education materials including the LGH Intranet.

Responsibilities

The following duties are considered secondary to the primary duties listed above:

• Attends multidisciplinary team meetings.
• Counsels patients on food/drug interactions when appropriate.
• Functions as a liaison to the Food Service Department to promote patient satisfaction. Assists with patient meal planning when needed.
• Participates in the on-call responsibilities for this position as required.

Qualifications

Minimum Required Qualifications:

• Certification as a Registered Dietitian, issued by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, or registration eligible/obtaining certification within three (3) months from date of hire.
• Licensed in the state of Pennsylvania as a dietitian-nutritionist (RDN or LDN) within three (3) months from date of hire.