Registered Dietitian - PT

JOB SUMMARY

Clinic Dietitian at the VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) performs or supervises others in providing a full range of professional dietetic services in areas of program development and organization, food preparation and service, patient therapy and education and research. Clinical Dietitians perform duties in the areas of medical nutrition and education, and are responsible for clinical nutrition management, quality improvement and the nutritional phase of medical research studies. Dietitians work closely with the clinic PACT team staff, such as physicians and nurses, to integrate the patient’s nutritional care into the total treatment program. The Dietitian’s contribution as a team member includes the nutritional assessment of patients and the development of nutritional care plans, nutrition interventions, and individualized nutrition education.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Independently plans, develops, and directs all nutritional care activities for assigned Veterans, including those with complex medical and nutritional needs. Supports the facility’s mission and coordinates nutritional care with other health care providers, the Veteran, the Veteran’s family and the community.
• Gathers nutritional data and evidence to diagnose nutrition-specific problems for patients. Develops and implements an individualized, specialized plan for medical nutrition therapy in accordance with the patient’s medical program goals and objectives. Develops clinically significant goals that will resolve the nutrition diagnosis.
• Evaluates and monitors the effectiveness and outcome of medical nutrition therapy interventions. Evaluates the patient’s response to care based on identified, measurable outcomes and revises the plan appropriately as condition changes. Refers patient for other counseling, community, or home health services as appropriate. Assesses educational needs and provides nutrition counseling for individuals and groups, incorporating a learning approach that considers the cultural, religious, educational and medical situation of the patient. Adapts nutrition education materials and counseling techniques to client’s level of understanding.
• Serves as the nutrition expert on the interdisciplinary treatment team which includes physicians, nurses, and other allied health care professionals. Collaborates with and advises interdisciplinary health care team of nutritional recommendations, goals, and efficacy of nutrition therapy.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Software, Electronic Medical Records and computer maneuverability.
• Must be detail oriented and have the ability to multi-task.
• Retain current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)/Basic Life Support (BLS) from American Heart Association (AHA) or Military Training Network (MTN).
• Preferred one (1) year of recent experience clinical nutrition practice experience.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• Required Education: Bachelor’s Degree from a U.S. regionally accredited college or university and completed a didactic program in dietetics accredited by ACEND/CADE.
• Advanced Practice Credential: Must possess a minimum of one (1) advanced practice credential relevant to the area of practice (Certified Nutrition Support Clinician (CNSC), Board Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition (CSR), Board Certified Specialist in Gerontological Nutrition (CSG), Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE), or Board Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition (CSO)).
• Professional Certification: Registered Dietitian (RD)/Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) as confirmed with the Commission on Dietetic Registration, the credentialing agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
• National Provider Identifier (NPI) required.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Moderate physical activity. Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 25 pounds or standing and/or walking for more than four (4) hours per day.
• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
• Respond to any medical emergency within the clinic, where a fast walk or job may be necessary to provide assistance.