Clinical Dietitian Ketogenic and Neurology

Tenet•Detroit, MI

About The Position

The Clinical Dietitian reports to the Manager and assesses patients identified as being at nutritional risk to determine appropriate nutrition therapy. Assessments consider medical and medication or herbal supplement histories, anthropometric measurements, laboratory values, diet history, age-specific factors, cultural and religious practices, and barriers to learning. The dietitian develops individualized nutrition care plans, including nutrient requirements and nutrition education as appropriate, using input from medical staff, nursing, speech-language pathology, and other hospital personnel. Assessments are documented in patient records using DMC-approved documentation. The role also provides nutrition expertise and education to hospital personnel, medical staff, and dietetic interns; participates in multidisciplinary rounds, research, and nutrition-related programs; coordinates with outside agencies when appropriate; and supports departmental policies and process improvement. Additional duties include ordering office and tube-feeding supplies, monitoring foodservice personnel and patient adherence to dietary regimens, developing special recipes or plans for patients, and promoting good customer service and the values of DMC. The position is with DMC Children's Hospital of Michigan, which provides pediatric and adolescent medical care, including specialized surgical, diagnostic, emergency, critical care, rehabilitation, neonatal, and perinatal services.

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 take and pass the registry exam within 6 months of internship completion.
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 nutrition care plans, make presentations, and interact effectively with hospital personnel, medical staff, patients, and families.

Responsibilities

Assess patients identified at nutritional risk and develop nutrition therapy plans suited to their assessed needs.
Evaluate medical history, medication and herbal supplement history, anthropometric measurements, laboratory values, diet history, age-specific factors, cultural and religious practices, and barriers to learning.
Document nutrition assessments in patient records using DMC-approved documentation.
Collaborate with medical staff, nursing, speech-language pathology, and other hospital personnel in assessing patients and developing nutrition care plans.
Serve as a nutrition resource for hospital personnel and medical staff, participate in multidisciplinary rounds, and provide nutrition-related education to departments.
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 optimal nutritional food service, 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 commitment to quality, community welfare, respect and involvement, teamwork, communication, innovation, education, and efficient resource use.