Diet Technician - Clinical Nutrition

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia•Philadelphia, PA

15d•$23 - $28

About The Position

Provides nutrition care services for patients/clients to address prevention and treatment of acute and chronic diseases and conditions and the promotion of overall health and wellness in conjunction with the registered dietitian nutritionist and other providers of direct patient care. Participates in enteral feeding preparation by adhering to aseptic technique when producing specialty formula and human milk mixtures for patient consumption. Adheres to standards of food safety and sanitation, best practices for formula and human milk preparation in a hospital setting, regulatory standards, departmental and hospital policies and procedures in the execution of assigned duties.

Requirements

Associate's Degree Nutrition or similar field of study Required
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing to patients and families, public, medical staff and physicians. (Required proficiency)
Must be able to read English with understanding and write English legibly. (Required proficiency)
Basic knowledge and application of medical nutrition therapy in pediatric patients. (Required proficiency)
Basic knowledge of nutrient analysis, word processing, and spreadsheet software. (Required proficiency)
Competence in nutritional content, sources and use of commercial supplements, tube feedings, human milk, infant formulas and feeding modulars (fat, protein, carbohydrate, vitamins and minerals). (Required proficiency)
Ability to perform increasingly complex mathematical calculations such as fractions, percentages, ratios, proportions and metric measures. (Required proficiency)
Computer proficiency required. (Required proficiency)
Dietetic Technician-Registered (DTR) - Commission on Dietetic Registration - within 12 months - Required

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's Degree Nutrition or similar field of study Preferred
Prior work experience in a hospital setting or WIC program Preferred
Certified Lactation Consultant (CLC) - Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice (ALPP) - - Preferred

Responsibilities

Completes nutrition assessments of patients within scope of practice of Dietetic Technician-Registered based on screening and documentation guidelines.
Implements and monitors nutritional interventions assigned by the RDN to meet the nutritional needs of patients
Estimates nutritional intakes of patients. Calculates and documents calorie counts as requested. Assists RDs with data collection as needed.
Identifies patients in need of in-depth assessment by RD and transfers care appropriately.
Instructs patients (and/or families, as appropriate) on restricted/special diets or special formulas. Refers for outpatient follow-up as necessary.
Is knowledgeable regarding nutritional content, sources, and use of commercial supplements, tube feeding, infant formula, and feeding modulars (fat, protein, carbohydrate, vitamins, and minerals).
Inputs data from outpatient diet records on computer for analysis to be completed by outpatient dietitian. Maintain updates and enter new items in Food Processor.
Provides education with regard to nutrition and lactation including but not limited to assembly, cleaning and maintenance of breast pump equipment, special diet education, formula/modified human milk education.
Prepares, portions, delivers patient enteral feeding orders accurately and timely.
Knowledgeable about human milk, formulas and additives used in infant, pediatric and adult patients.
Practices with a questioning attitude and escalates concerns, issues or discrepancies regarding enteral feeding orders, faulty equipment and unsafe working conditions appropriately.
Provides education with regard to nutrition and lactation, assists in developing education and other projects.
Participates in maintenance of human milk inventory. Assists with human milk shipment and safe disposal as needed and adheres to standards with regard to transport and shipment of human milk.
Adheres to applicable regulations, safety and infection prevention & control standards that govern enteral feeding production operations.
Maintains friendly, efficient demeanor and models CHOP ICARE Values and Service Standards.
Participates in ongoing quality assurance and performance improvement activities as requested.
Maintains productivity, screening and other documentation of activities as requested.
Participates in training other employees as requested.
Maintains confidentiality of patient information.
Accurately calculates, measure, mixes and labels formula and human milk mixtures according to specific patient orders.
Operates relevant equipment accurately and ensures calibration and cleaning based on procedures.
Collaborates and communicates with other members of the healthcare team
Participates in any department staff meetings and education programs as requested.
Participates in training of other employees as requested.
Maintains competence and professional development. Maintains registration as required. Uses reference materials, trends in dietetics, enteral feeding best practice guidelines and research to enhance clinical knowledge.
Performs other duties as requested.