Clinical Dietitian

University of Utah Health•Salt Lake City, UT

About The Position

The Clinical Dietitian works with the departmental and interdisciplinary health care team to provide patient care that is integrated with and compatible with patient-centered medical goals and objectives. The role assesses nutritional status, identifies nutrition concerns, and develops, implements, and evaluates nutrition care plans for patients at nutritional risk. The position may provide nutritional support to specialized populations and may access and administer medications within the scope of practice and according to State Law. This is a PRN, non-benefits position at University of Utah Health. The organization is a Level 1 Trauma Center with five hospitals and eleven clinics, and is nationally recognized for academic research, quality standards, and patient experience.

Requirements

Registered Dietitian credential with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Current license to practice as a Certified Dietitian in the State of Utah.
Additional license requirements as determined by the hiring department.
Demonstrated ability or potential to perform the essential functions of the role.
Ability to provide care to the population served.
Knowledge of life-span growth and development principles.
Ability to assess patient-status data and provide care in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.
Computer literacy, including word processing, nutrient analysis, and spreadsheet software.
Effective human relations and communication skills.
Ability to educate people with varying levels of education and understanding.
Knowledge of nutrition-related order entry, including pertinent laboratory values, swallowing evaluations, and inpatient or outpatient ancillary-service consultations aligned with patients’ nutrition care plans.
Service excellence in patient- and family-centered care, including respect, honesty, fairness, and a positive attitude toward customers.
Accountability in applying HIPAA rules for use and disclosure of protected health information.
Advanced knowledge of human physiology, biochemistry, and metabolism as related to clinical nutrition status, food chemistry, nutrient composition, and dietary analysis.
Knowledge of CMS Conditions of Participation and/or Conditions of Coverage requirements for Medicare and Medicaid payment.

Nice To Haves

Two years of clinical or practical experience.
Nutrition Focused Physical Exam (NFPE) training.
Current CNSC (Certified Nutrition Support Clinician).

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive nutritional assessments by collecting, recording, and interpreting relevant data from patients, families, caregivers, and others.
Organize assessment data, link nutrition assessment parameters to nutrition diagnoses, and determine when consultation or referral to another provider is needed.
Formulate and prioritize nutrition interventions using evidence-based guidelines, and evaluate their effectiveness.
Define the timing and frequency of care, including intensity, duration, and follow-up; modify care plans as needed.
Monitor outcomes using relevant nutrition care indicators and compare findings with nutrition intervention goals.
Work cooperatively with health care providers, patients, clients, and caregivers to implement and communicate nutrition care plans and expected outcomes.
Provide nutrition counseling and education to patients, families, caregivers, and the community.
Ensure compliance with state and local certification requirements for health, safety, and quality standards.
Conduct educational presentations and in-services for hospital and department staff, and oversee development and revision of specialized patient education materials, clinical forms, and protocols.
Act as an advocate, resource, and liaison with nursing and medical staff to support communication, patient nutrition care, education, and research opportunities.
Participate in outcome-measure initiatives, validate nutrition program performance, and create reports.
Maintain accurate records of daily clinical activities, including scheduling and billing information.
Participate in departmental and interdisciplinary meetings, task forces, and projects.
Create and maintain training programs and manage training for nutrition and dietetics interns and other health care profession students in the specialty area.
May manage total parenteral nutrition macronutrient calculations for specialized populations.
May conduct or collaborate in nutrition research.
May enter nutrition-related orders as defined by the University of Utah Registered Dietitian Order Writing Protocol.