Clinical Dietitian Ketogenic and Neurology

Tenet Healthcare•Detroit, MI

About The Position

The Clinical Dietitian reports to the Manager and assesses patients identified as being at nutritional risk to determine an appropriate nutrition therapy plan. Assessments include review of medical and medication or herbal supplement histories, anthropometric measurements, laboratory values, and diet history, as well as age-specific considerations, cultural and religious practices, and barriers to learning. The dietitian develops nutrition care plans tailored to patients’ identified needs, including nutrient requirements and nutrition education as appropriate, and documents assessments in patient records using approved DMC documentation. The process uses a multidisciplinary approach that includes input from medical staff, nursing, speech-language pathology, and other appropriate hospital personnel. The role serves as a nutrition resource for hospital personnel and medical staff, supports dietetic intern education, and participates in research and nutrition-related programs. Additional duties include coordinating assistance from outside agencies, supporting policy and process improvement, managing supplies, monitoring foodservice practices, planning special recipes for patient needs, and providing courteous customer service. The position promotes DMC’s stated commitments to quality, community welfare, respect and involvement, teamwork, communication, innovation, education, and effective resource use.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition or Dietetics.
Dietetic internship in a healthcare setting, or completion of a supervised practice program at a healthcare facility, community agency, or foodservice corporation, or in combination with graduate or undergraduate studies. Programs are usually 6 to 12 months in length.
Registration with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, or eligibility to pass the registry exam within 6 months of completing the internship.
Registration with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is required when working with patients with inherited metabolic disorders.
Analytical ability to determine patient needs, develop plans, and assess progress.
Interpersonal, written, and verbal skills to develop and explain patient nutrition care plans, make presentations, and interact effectively with hospital personnel, medical staff, patients, and families.

Responsibilities

Assess patients identified as being at nutritional risk and develop nutrition therapy plans based on their assessed needs.
Review medical history, medication and herbal supplement history, anthropometric measurements, laboratory values, diet history, age-specific factors, cultural and religious practices, and barriers to learning as part of nutrition assessments.
Develop nutrition care plans that address nutrient requirements and provide nutrition education as appropriate.
Collaborate with medical staff, nursing, speech-language pathology, and other appropriate hospital personnel when conducting assessments.
Document nutrition assessments in patient records using DMC-approved documentation.
Serve as a nutrition resource for hospital personnel and medical staff, participate in multidisciplinary rounds, and provide education to departments on nutrition-related topics.
Research and develop programs for dietetic interns and provide specialized and general nutrition instruction to them.
Participate in research projects and nutrition-related programs.
Work with outside agencies to obtain ongoing assistance for patients when appropriate.
Maintain hospital and departmental policies, procedures, and objectives; contribute to process improvement and high-quality patient care.
Inventory and order office and tube-feeding supplies.
Monitor and direct foodservice personnel to ensure patients receive appropriate nutritional foodservice, and follow up with patients regarding adherence to dietary regimens.
Formulate special recipes or plans to meet patients’ specific needs.
Promote guest relations and provide quick, courteous customer service.
Demonstrate behaviors supporting DMC’s stated commitments to quality, community welfare, respect and involvement, teamwork, effective communication, innovation, education, and efficient resource use.