Clinical Dietitian

UNC Health • Chapel Hill, NC

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Clinical Dietitian works closely with a multidisciplinary healthcare team to coordinate evidence-based medical nutrition therapy that supports patient-focused medical goals. This role is embedded in two primary care clinics in Chatham County and may work virtually from home up to two days per week. The dietitian applies the Nutrition Care Process, including nutrition-focused physical exams, nutrition and malnutrition assessments, diagnoses, interventions, and monitoring and evaluation of patient progress. Practice-specific resources, evidence-based protocols, and nutrition practice guidelines inform nutrition interventions.

The position manages resources cost-effectively and participates in compliance and quality improvement efforts to ensure safe, effective nutrition care. The Clinical Dietitian contributes to team conferences, provides nutrition-related in-services, and helps develop and revise hospital policies. The role may also support community-based nutrition programs and requires maintaining professional competency. The dietitian precepts interns and supports and trains clinical dietitians in departmental and organizational core behaviors and responsibilities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from a US regionally accredited university or college, with coursework accredited or approved by ACEND.
• Completion of a Coordinated Program in Dietetics or an ACEND-accredited Dietetic Internship of at least 900 hours (1,200 hours for graduates of programs beginning in 2012).
• Registered Dietitian (RD) credential from the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
• Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist (LDN) credential from the North Carolina Board of Dietetics and Nutrition.
• For new graduates becoming licensed after January 1, 2024, a master’s degree in a related dietitian field.
• Some positions require appropriate billing credentials, such as NPI or Medicare/Medicaid or BCBSNC provider credentials, obtained within one month of hire.
• No prior experience is required except for specific positions.
• Knowledge of the Nutrition Care Process and ability to apply all of its steps and medical nutrition therapy.
• Ability to understand and implement Motivational Interviewing.
• Critical thinking skills to integrate facts, informed opinion, active listening, and observations.
• Decision-making, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication with patients, the public, hospital and medical staff, and physicians.
• Ability to function independently on assigned patient care units and to counsel and educate others.
• General knowledge of nutrient analysis, word processing, and spreadsheet software.

Responsibilities

• Assess nutritional needs using standardized practice and critical thinking, and identify nutrient requirements based on age, disease, and individual patient needs.
• Demonstrate clinical and age-specific competency as assessed through competency tools, chart audits, tests, and observation.
• Serve as a resource for the assigned specialty team and liaise with other medical specialties and ancillary services.
• Support compliance with Joint Commission, CMS, HFAP, and other applicable accreditation standards, and contribute to safety, quality, and performance improvement.
• Attend medical rounds, patient care conferences, and continuing education and staff meetings; participate in quality improvement initiatives and cross-training.
• Develop, implement, and monitor nutrition care plans, participate in discharge planning, and provide education using established behavioral change techniques.
• Document all aspects of nutrition care in the medical record and complete clinical nutrition workload in a timely manner in compliance with regulatory standards.
• May lead, direct, and manage work assigned to others within the department.
• Precept clinical nutrition interns throughout the year as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level