Registered Dietitian - Pediatric Diabetes Clinic

Located in Nashville, Tennessee, Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) operates at a global crossroads of teaching, discovery, and patient care. It is a community where expertise is valued, knowledge is expanded, and abilities are challenged. Vanderbilt Health is committed to an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and uniqueness is celebrated.

About the Role

Assesses nutrition status of patients with complex medical conditions, including performance of a nutrition-focused physical exam. Develops, implements, and evaluates outcomes of nutrition care plans for patients, ensuring appropriate use of oral, enteral, and parenteral regimens. Provides nutrition education and counseling for patients, families, caregivers, and the community. Participates in training dietetic interns, students, and other healthcare professionals. Engages in clinical nutrition outcomes research and conducts independent research in area of clinical practice.

Department Summary

The Diabetes Program at Monroe Carell is one of the nation’s largest pediatric diabetes centers, providing comprehensive, family-centered care to over 3,000 children with diabetes across Tennessee and eight surrounding states. The multidisciplinary team includes board-certified pediatric diabetes physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, registered dietitians (Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists), social workers, and child life specialists. Care is delivered through the Vanderbilt Eskind Pediatric Diabetes Clinic and regional locations in Franklin, Murfreesboro, Jackson, Clarksville, and Cookeville.

Responsibilities

• Assesses nutrition status, including performance of a nutrition-focused physical exam, and implements nutrition care plans for patients with complex medical conditions, including critically ill patients and those on enteral/parenteral nutrition support.
• Monitors nutrition progress and reassesses nutrition status, adjusting care plans as needed.
• Identifies patients meeting criteria for a medical diagnosis of malnutrition and documents findings in the medical record.
• Writes, accepts, and implements medical nutrition therapy and nutrition orders in eSTAR, including diet, infant feeding, enteral, and parenteral nutrition orders.
• Provides evidence-based nutrition counseling and education to patients, families, caregivers, and the community using appropriate instructional methods and tools.
• Conducts nutrition telehealth sessions via HIPAA-compliant interactive audio and video telecommunications.
• Trains dietetic interns, students, and healthcare professionals by planning, implementing, supervising, and evaluating clinical experiences or teaching classes.
• Conducts nutrition outcomes research in area of clinical practice or participates in collaborative investigational research.

Technical Capabilities

• Nutrition Therapy (Intermediate): Demonstrates mastery in practical applications; capable of delivering results independently and training others.
• Patient Counseling (Intermediate): Successfully delivers counseling services without support; trains and educates others.
• Evidence-Based Nutrition Practice (Intermediate): Integrates nutrition evidence from multiple sources to determine practice changes.
• Patient Assessment (Intermediate): Demonstrates mastery in practical applications; trains and educates others.
• Supervisory Leadership (Novice): Conducts performance reviews, delegates tasks, coaches subordinates, and demonstrates team-building techniques.

Qualifications

• Certifications: Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist (Tennessee), Registered Dietitian (Commission on Dietetic Registration).
• Work Experience: 5 years of relevant experience.
• Education: Master’s degree.

Benefits

This role offers a comprehensive benefits package, which may include health, disability, retirement, and/or wellness offerings to enhance well-being and professional growth.

Schedule

Monday - Friday, day shift.