Clinical Dietitian

University of Utah Health•Salt Lake City, UT

About The Position

The Clinical Dietitian works with departmental and interdisciplinary health care teams to provide patient care aligned with patient-centered medical goals. The role assesses nutritional status, identifies nutrition concerns, and develops, implements, and evaluates nutrition care plans for patients at nutritional risk. The dietitian may provide nutritional support to specialized populations and may access and administer medications within their scope of practice and as permitted by State Law. University of Utah Health is a patient-focused organization committed to improving health and well-being through patient care, research, and education. The University of Utah is a Level 1 Trauma Center with five hospitals and eleven clinics. This is a PRN, non-benefits position.

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.
Ability to perform the essential functions of the position and provide care to the population served.
Knowledge of life-span growth and development principles.
Ability to assess patient-status data and provide care according to departmental policies and procedures.
Computer literacy, including word processing, nutrient analysis, and spreadsheet software.
Human relations and effective communication skills.
Ability to educate people with varying levels of education and understanding.
Knowledge of nutrition-related order entry, including applicable lab values, swallowing evaluations, and ancillary-service consultations aligned with patients' nutrition care plans.
Commitment to patient- and family-centered service, including respect, honesty, fairness, and a positive attitude toward customers.
Accountability for complying with HIPAA rules governing the 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 federal CMS Conditions of Participation and/or Conditions of Coverage relevant to Medicare and Medicaid payment.
Ability to meet the stated physical demands with or without accommodation.

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 information from patients, clients, family members, caregivers, and others.
Organize assessment data, connect nutrition assessment parameters to nutrition diagnoses, and determine when consultation or referral to another provider is appropriate.
Develop and prioritize nutrition intervention plans using evidence-based guidelines and evaluate their effectiveness.
Determine the timing, frequency, intensity, duration, and follow-up of care, modifying care plans as needed.
Monitor outcomes using relevant nutrition care indicators and compare findings with 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 state and local certification requirements for health, safety, and quality standards are met.
Conduct in-services and educational presentations for hospital and department staff, and oversee the development and revision of specialized patient education materials, clinical forms, and protocols.
Serve as an advocate, resource, and liaison with nursing and medical staff to support communication, patient nutritional 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.