/Overall Objectives Provides nutritional care for inpatients of all ages in accordance with the mission and goals established by the hospital and department management. Assists with responsibilities in areas of projects, performance improvement, competency assessment, peer review, development of policies and procedures and other nutrition related activities. Essential Job Functions Completes nutrition screening, assessment, diagnosis, intervention, monitoring, and evaluation of patients based on the current Clinical Nutrition Standards of Practice.
Performs nutrition focused physical exams. Identifies patients at risk for malnutrition. Diagnoses malnutrition and develops care plan.
Determines plan for reassessment based on established standards and patients’ needs/status. Provides education and support to the patient and/or family. Researches and recommends products for inclusion into the Independence Health Enteral Formulary.
Complies with completeness, accuracy, and timeliness of documentation. Develops an educational process for the provision and coordination of patient care activities that promote and maintain health and improve outcomes. Evaluates, creates, and revises education material related to disease management and enteral nutrition.
Develops and conducts education programs for staff and community. Participates in the interdisciplinary education process to assess the patient's readiness to learn and educational barriers; tailoring the educational processes to meet the needs of the patient/family. Maintains a collaborative relationship with physicians and other health care providers to achieve desired patient outcomes and ensure interdisciplinary patient-focused care.
Communicates pertinent information during interdisciplinary patient care rounds. Contacts physicians and advanced practice practitioners, as needed, to provide appropriate nutritional care for patients. Clinical Performance Utilizes time efficiently.
Adheres to scheduling and productivity guidelines. Assists with the development of policies, procedures, and tools, when needed, to improve nutrition processes and patient care. Assists with department performance improvement plan and interventions as assigned.
Aids in collecting data and writing reports for presentation at nutrition support committee. Professional Development Maintains registration and licensure status. Demonstrates awareness of strengths and limitation.
Seeks guidance as necessary to address limitations and modifies behavior as needed. Participates in education experiences within the practice setting. Program Development and Marketing Participates in program development designed to market and expand department services.
Compliance to Regulatory Agencies Assists in preparation for surveys/inspections. Responds appropriately in emergency situations. Assists in maintaining a safe and clean environment for patients, visitors, and staff.
Assists in maintaining manuals of meeting notes, communications, policies and procedures and performance improvement initiatives. Adheres to the infection control processes, including standard precautions, to reduce the risk of acquiring or transmitting infections Mentors Dietetic Interns Serves as a clinical dietetic preceptor. Assists in planning and monitoring the daily clinical workload.
Completes evaluation forms as requested by program. Provides constructive feedback and guidance. Demonstrates dietetic expertise in the management of enteral and parenteral feedings in a variety of complex medical and surgical conditions.
Formulates appropriate nutrition support plan based on completed nutrition assessment. Coordinates implementation of nutrition plan with nursing, pharmacy, physician and patient. Monitors inpatient nutrition support, both enteral and parenteral nutrition.
Effectively uses clinical judgment and reasoning when calculating and estimating patient’s nutritional needs and advises on appropriate routes of feeding to ensure provision of adequate nutrition. Works closely with the physician and pharmacist in recommending appropriate parenteral support. Aids in coordinating the transition of nutrition support upon discharge with the patient, family, nursing, physician, case manager and home health agency Other duties as assigned.
Competency and Experience [Knowledge, Skills and Abilities] Required Qualifications/Experience Effective January 1, 2024 a Masters degree in Nutrition, Food or Dietetics. Completion of Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) approved program leading to registration. Six (6) to twelve (12) months of experience through approved accreditation program or related work experience for registry eligible dietitians.
Strong leadership ability, good organizational skills, independent and critical thinking skills, sound judgment, and knowledge of legal aspects and liability of nursing practice. Strong ability to communicate complex and/or controversial topics and concepts to a wide and diverse audience. Functional Skills on PC and Related Software (Microsoft Office).
Basic working knowledge of computers and office equipment.
- /Experience Master’s degree in nutrition, Food & Nutrition or closely related field. Experience in Healthcare setting. License, Certification & Clearances Current Registration with the Academy of Nutition and Dietetics or within six months of hire. Current licensure with the PA Board of Nursing or within six months of hire. Act 33 with renewal Act 34 with renewal Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal Position Type/Expected Hours of Work Incumbent will be scheduled based on operational need (rotate shifts, standby, on-call, etc.). Travel may be expected locally between System locations. Equal Employment Opportunity Independence Health and its affiliated companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. It is their policy to prohibit discrimination of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, or genetic information, or any other classification protected by law. Independence Health and its affiliated companies will comply with all applicable laws and regulations. Disclaimer This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Moreover, duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. Work Environment When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required. Essential – Absolute Necessity. Marginal – Minimal Necessity. Constantly – 5.5 to 8 hours or more or 200 reps/shift. Frequently – 2.5 to 5.5 hours or more or 32
- 200 reps/shift. Occasionally – 0.25 to 2.5 hours or 2
- 32 reps/shift. Rarely – Less than 0.25 hours or less than 2 reps/shift. Physical Condition Essential Marginal Constantly Frequently Occasionally Rarely Never Extreme Heat x Extreme Cold x Heights x Confined Spaces x Extreme Noise(>85dB) x Mechanical Hazards x Use of Vibrating Tools x Operates Vehicle (company) x Operates Heavy Equipment x Use of Lifting/Transfer Devices x Rotates All Shifts x 8 Hours Shifts x x 10
- 12 Hours Shifts x x On
- Call x Overtime(+8/hrs/shift; 40/hr/wk) x x Travel Between Sites x x Direct Patient Care x x Respirator Protective Equipment x Eye Protection x Head Protection (hard hat) x Hearing Protection x Hand Protection x x Feet, Toe Protection x Body Protection x Latex Exposure x x Solvent Exposure x Paint (direct use) Exposure x Dust (sanding) Exposure x Ethylene Oxide Exposure x Cytotoxic (Chemo) Exposure x Blood/Body Fluid Exposure x x Chemicals (direct use) Exposure x x Mist Exposure x Wax Stripper (direct use) x Non
- Ionizing Radiation Exposure x Ionizing Radiation Exposure x Laser Exposure x Physical Demands When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required. Essential – Absolute Necessity. Marginal – Minimal Necessity. Constantly – 5.5 to 8 hours or more or 200 reps/shift. Frequently – 2.5 to 5.5 hours or more or 32
- 200 reps/shift. Occasionally – 0.25 to 2.5 hours or 2
- 32 reps/shift. Rarely – Less than 0.25 hours or less than 2 reps/shift. Physical Condition Essential Marginal Constantly Frequently Occasionally Rarely Never Bending (Stooping) x x Sitting x x Walking x x Climbing Stairs x x Climbing Ladders x Standing x x Kneeling x Squatting (Crouching) x x Twisting/Turning x Keyboard/Computer Operation x x Gross Grasp x Fine Finger Manipulation x x Hand/Arm Coordination x x Pushing/Pulling(lbs. of force) x Carry x x Transfer/Push/Pull Patients x Seeing Near w/Acuity x x Feeling (Sensation) x Color Vision x Hearing Clearly x x Pulling/Pushing Objects Overhead x Reaching Above Shoulder Level x x Reaching Forward x x Lifting Floor to Knuckle ### >10# Lifting Seat Pan to Knuckle ### >10# Lifting Knuckle to Shoulder ### >10# Lifting Shoulder to Overhead ### >10# When lift requirement is more than 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.