Registered Dietitian

About the organization

Southwestern Virginia Mental Health Institute (SWVMHI) received its first two patients on May 17, 1887. Today, SWVMHI is a 179-bed state psychiatric institute operated by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS). The Institute serves adult and geriatric individuals. The Henderson Building, now housing Administrative offices, is the oldest building still in use in the Department of Behavioral Health and is listed as a National Historic Building.

Responsibilities

• Function as a registered dietitian under the supervision of the Nutrition Supervisor to provide direct nutrition services to residents of SWVMHI.
• Complete nutrition screenings within an established time frame.
• Visit patients to determine food preferences, obtain dietary histories, and provide nutrition education in accordance with established policies to provide quality nutrition services and meet accreditation standards.

Requirements

• Registration as a dietitian or eligible by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
• Graduation from a 4-year accredited college or university with major coursework in nutrition; B.S. degree in Nutrition.

Additional Considerations

• If not a Registered Dietitian, scope of practice may be limited and must refer patients to other dietetic professionals when a situation is beyond their level of competence.