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 integrated with patient-centered medical goals and objectives. The position assesses nutritional status, identifies nutrition concerns, and develops, implements, and evaluates nutrition care plans for patients at nutritional risk. It may provide nutritional support to specialized populations and may involve accessing and administering medications within the dietitian’s scope of practice and according to state law. The role also includes patient and caregiver education, collaboration with health care providers, clinical documentation, program outcomes, staff and student training, and participation in research and department initiatives. The position may manage total parenteral nutrition macronutrient calculations for specialized populations and may enter nutrition-related orders under the University of Utah Registered Dietitian Order Writing Protocol.

Requirements

Registered Dietitian credential from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Current license to practice as a Certified Dietitian in the State of Utah; additional license requirements may be 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 relevant lab values, swallowing evaluations, and inpatient or outpatient ancillary-service consultations aligned with the nutrition care plan.
Service excellence in patient- and family-centered care, demonstrating respect, honesty, fairness, and a positive attitude.
Accountability in following 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 federal 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.
Experience in Behavioral Health.
Nutrition Focused Physical Exam (NFPE) training.

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive nutritional assessments by collecting, recording, and interpreting data from patients, families, caregivers, and other individuals or groups.
Organize assessment data to connect nutrition parameters with nutrition diagnoses, and determine when consultation or referral to another provider is needed.
Develop and prioritize nutrition interventions using evidence-based guidelines and evaluate their effectiveness.
Set the timing and frequency of care, including intensity, duration, and follow-up, and modify care plans as needed.
Monitor nutrition care outcomes using relevant indicators and compare findings with intervention goals.
Work cooperatively with health care providers, patients, 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 patient education materials, clinical forms, and protocols.
Serve as an advocate, resource, and liaison with nursing and medical staff to improve communication and support patient nutrition care, education, and research.
Participate in outcome measurement 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 in accordance with the University of Utah Registered Dietitian Order Writing Protocol.