Diet Technician

Texas Children's Medical Center • Houston, TX

2d

About The Position

The Diet Technician supports clinical nutrition staff by providing nutrition-related services appropriate to the developmental ages of patients served. The role works in a fast-paced setting and supports patient care through nutrition-risk screening, nutrient-intake analysis, education, menu assistance, referrals, and departmental quality-control activities.

Requirements

• Technical diploma in a dietetic educational program, or a bachelor's degree in a nutrition-related field.

Nice To Haves

• Dietetic Technician Registered (DTR) credential issued by the Commission for Dietetic Registration.

Responsibilities

• Screen and rescreen patients for nutrition risk using established criteria; document results in medical records and refer patients to the Clinical Dietitian according to guidelines.
• Perform follow-up according to departmental guidelines.
• Perform nutrient-intake analyses and initiate calorie-count studies at the request of a Registered Dietitian or by physician order.
• Calculate nutrient-intake data according to standards and document results in the appropriate format in the patient medical record.
• Communicate with clinical, medical, and diet-office staff about patients’ nutritional needs.
• Provide the dietitian with timely information about food concerns, eating difficulties, and other nutritional problems.
• Assist the dietitian in DME activities.
• Attend and participate in departmental meetings and committees.
• Coordinate special patient requests and needs with the Diet Office to support accurate diet-order implementation.
• Provide accurate patient referrals to the dietitian, including consultations, NPO referrals, and Food/Drug screening.
• Provide age-appropriate patient education and menu adjustments in support of the patient care plan.
• Provide assigned education on formula preparation, Food/Drug interactions, Healthy Eating Guidelines, and single-restriction diets.
• Assist patients with menu selections for specialized menu types.
• Collect and input data.
• Collect and input data for the Departmental Quality Control Plan as assigned, including formula-room or sample audits, NPO/CL monitoring, and Food/Drug Interaction education compliance monitoring.
• Adjust care to accommodate neonates, infants, toddlers, preschool-age children, school-age children, adolescents, and adults.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time