Clinical Dietitian, Registered Dietitian with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

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 that is integrated with patient-centered medical goals. The position 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 according to state law. The role includes comprehensive nutrition assessment, diagnosis, intervention, monitoring, and evaluation; counseling and education for patients, families, caregivers, and the community; and collaboration with health care providers. The dietitian also contributes to staff education, patient education materials and protocols, outcome measurement, documentation, departmental initiatives, and training of interns and students. The position may involve total parenteral nutrition macronutrient calculations, nutrition research, and nutrition-related order entry in accordance with University of Utah protocols.

Requirements

Registered Dietitian with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Current license to practice as a Certified Dietitian in the State of Utah.
Additional licenses as determined by the hiring department.
Ability to perform the essential functions of the role and provide care to the population served.
Knowledge of life-span growth and development principles.
Ability to assess patient status and provide care according to 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 appropriate ordering of laboratory values, swallowing evaluations, and ancillary-service consultations that align with patients’ nutrition care plans.
Service excellence in patient- and family-centered care, including respect, honesty, fairness, and a positive attitude toward customers.
Accountability for protecting and appropriately disclosing patient/client protected health information under HIPAA.
Advanced knowledge of human physiology, biochemistry, and metabolism as they relate to clinical nutrition, food chemistry, nutrient composition, and dietary analysis.
Knowledge of applicable CMS Conditions of Participation and/or Conditions of Coverage requirements for Medicare or Medicaid payment.
Ability to meet the position’s physical requirements with or without accommodation, including light work involving lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or moving objects up to 20 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Two years of clinical or practical experience.
Behavioral Health Nutrition Focused Physical Exam (NFPE) training.

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive nutritional assessments by collecting, recording, and interpreting relevant data.
Organize assessment data to establish nutrition diagnoses and determine when consultation or referral to another provider is needed.
Develop and prioritize nutrition interventions using evidence-based guidelines; evaluate their effectiveness and modify care plans as needed.
Define the timing, frequency, intensity, duration, and follow-up of nutrition care.
Monitor nutrition care indicators and compare outcomes 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; 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 patient nutrition care, education, and research opportunities.
Participate in outcome measurement initiatives and prepare reports on nutrition program performance.
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 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 under the University of Utah Registered Dietitian Order Writing Protocol.