Works closely with the multidisciplinary team to provide nutrition care that is integrated and compatible with patient-focused medical goals. Applies the Nutrition Care Process and Model (nutrition assessment, nutrition diagnosis, nutrition intervention, nutrition monitoring and evaluation). Uses the Scope of Dietetics Practice Framework, Standards of Practice and Professional Performance, and evidence-based practice protocols and/nutrition practice guidelines in nutrition care.
Applies critical thinking skills.
Unit Specific
Nutrition Assessment (collect, record, and interpret relevant data) Conducts nutrition assessment for patients with various levels of acuity according to facility, state, and accreditation standards. Reviews nutritional intake for factors that affect health conditions and nutritional risk. Evaluates health and disease condition for nutrition-related consequences.
Monitors nutritional status, lab values, medications, medical procedures, and adherence and response to diet and/or medical nutrition therapy. Assesses patient knowledge and access to food, diet appropriate food choices, preparation techniques, physical activity levels, and understanding of their health conditions. Evaluates patient knowledge, readiness to learn, and potential for behavior change.
Nutrition Diagnosis (identify and label existing nutrition problem) Evaluates data from assessment to determine nutrition problems. Prioritizes the relative importance of nutrition problems for patient safety and care. Documents the nutrition diagnostic statement using standardized language.
Assesses and diagnoses malnutrition using ASPEN/GLIM criteria. Nutrition Intervention (plan and implement action to resolve diagnosis) Determines a plan of action focused on the etiology of the problem. Assesses educational needs and provides nutrition counseling based on individual needs.
Implements nutrition intervention in accordance with patient treatment goals. Communicates, delegates and/or coordinates the nutrition care plan with other healthcare professionals, and refers patient for community or home health services as appropriate. Nutrition Monitoring and Evaluation (monitor progress, measure and evaluate outcomes) Considers the varied needs of age-specific populations, and cultural, religious and/or ethnic concerns.
Evaluates patient understanding and compliance with nutrition care plan. Evaluates achievement of learning objectives and outcome goals. Reassess patient at appropriate intervals and compare current findings with previous goals.
Documentation, Communication, and Continuation of Care Documents relevant, accurate and timely information in the medical record. Communicates and influences treatment interventions determined by the medical team through multidisciplinary care plan meetings, rounds, patient care conferences and consultations with residential care facilities. Determines continuation of nutrition care plans.
Serves as a resource to medical staff and allied personnel on nutrition-related issues and topics. Other related functions: Cooperates as a member of the department and overall hospital team. Participates in quality improvement activities.
Demonstrates accountability for the proper use of protected health information. Assists in achieving compliance with regulations from appropriate governing body (ie DNV and CMS). Manages resources in a cost-effective manner.
Supports and promotes the organization’s infection control, safety, risk management and customer service programs. Performs related work per orientation and position checklists. Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
Evaluates appropriateness of diet order for diagnosis and recommends diet order changes as indicated. Maintains professional growth and development through completion of required qualifications. Assists with community outreach opportunities as needed.
Assists with precepting didactic students. Performs special projects and other duties as assigned. Qualifications, Knowledge & Experience Required Qualifications (Including any licensure, certification, education): Completion of a didactic program in dietetics.
BLS training or within 90 days of hire and must maintain throughout employment. Mandatory Reporter training within 90 days of hire and must maintain throughout employment. Registered Dietitian through Commission on Dietetic Registration.
Licensed Dietitian in State of Iowa. Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field prior to January 1, 2024. Master’s Degree in relevant field after January 1, 2024.
Organizational
Maintain stroke education per regulatory requirements.
AND Board Certified or CDCES Required Knowledge, Skills &
Knowledge of the Nutrition Care Process as it relates to the needs of patients with various health needs and acuity levels and ability to apply all steps of the process. Comprehensive knowledge and application of medical nutrition therapy for various disease states and their complications. Critical thinking skills to integrate facts, informed opinions, active listening, and observations.
Decision making, problem solving and collaboration. Excellent counseling skills. Ability to relate to a multi-ethnic community and varied learning levels.
Strong interpersonal skills to establish productive working relationships with multidisciplinary teams and support services. Ability to communicate effectively in English in both written and verbal form to patients, public, and medical staff. Ability to function independently in inpatient (hospitalized) and outpatient (community and clinic-based) settings.
General knowledge of word processing, use of computer programs and software, and other office machines as need. Preferred Knowledge, Skills &
None Specified
Day Shift · Mon-Fri 8a-4:30p