Dietetic Technician

Brown Medicine

3d•$18 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

Under the general supervision of a Senior Dietitian, Clinical Dietitian, or Lead Dietetic Technician, the Dietetic Technician supports Clinical Dietitians by collecting information, reporting observations, and communicating with patients/clients, families, and caregivers. The role obtains nutrition and weight histories, food allergies, and preferences; adjusts meal selections for food preferences and prescribed diets; monitors menu selections for compliance; conducts meal rounds to assess food consumption and customer satisfaction; and provides education and guidance on food choices and meal planning. The Dietetic Technician reports observations to the Clinical Dietitian to support documentation and adjustment of nutrition care plans, and implements and monitors assigned nutrition interventions. The position collaborates with Brown University Health Cardiac Rehab clinical dietitians and the chef for the Dean Ornish Intensive Cardiac Rehab program on dietary guidelines, recipe modifications, and patient education. It also works with rehabilitation staff and culinary interns to facilitate cooking demonstrations and supermarket tours. The role provides nutrition information, interventions, monitoring, and education within the direction and scope established by the Clinical Dietitian. Employees are expected to model Brown University Health’s values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence.

Requirements

A baccalaureate degree from a U.S. regionally accredited college or university, or foreign equivalent, and completion of an ACEND Didactic Program in Dietetics; alternatively, completion of all ACEND-required nutrition classes in a four-year ACEND Didactic Program, with an advanced culinary internship pending and anticipated completion of a baccalaureate degree within six months.
Evidence of Safe Serve Certification.
Thorough understanding of the scientific basis of nutrition and dietetics, application of nutrition principles to human physiology and disease states, and evidence-based practice.
Thorough knowledge of nutritional values of foods and food groups.
Analytical ability to identify overt and potential nutritional problems and develop nutrition care plans for review by the Clinical Dietitian.
Oral and written communication skills necessary to work effectively with patients, families, and hospital personnel about nutrition care plans.
Knowledge and skills to provide nutritional care based on age-specific competencies and patients' cultural, religious, ethnic, and nutrition preferences.
Understanding of and ability to work within the food service system.
Computer competency in Microsoft Office.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in a nursing home, hospital, or restaurant involving food and nutrition.
Experience with a hospital electronic health record.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with clinical dietitians and the chef for the Dean Ornish Intensive Cardiac Rehab program regarding dietary guidelines, recipe modifications, and patient education sessions.
Collaborate with rehabilitation staff and culinary interns to facilitate cooking demonstrations and supermarket tours.
Collect and review food and nutrient intake information, including diet history, meal and snack patterns, supplements, typical foods and beverages, swallowing or chewing difficulties, cultural and religious preferences, and allergies or intolerances.
Obtain anthropometric information from medical records or through interviews with patients, families, or caregivers.
Review medical records after department nutrition risk assessment through the electronic nutrition screen, and communicate and document feedback in the designated computer system.
Provide nutrition interventions and plans of care, such as menu corrections and diet education, as designed and directed by the Clinical Dietitian.
Respond to patient inquiries about interventions within the scope of practice.
Verify that nutrition interventions and plans of care are implemented and patient needs are met.
Monitor nutrition and support nutrition evaluation through meal recalls, nutrient intake analysis and documentation, and diet reinforcement.
Meet with patients, family members, and care partners to introduce menu selections, review progress, and discuss nutritional care plans.
Conduct ongoing nutrition assessments and evaluations, and suggest care-plan revisions as a patient's condition warrants.
Conduct individual and group patient education and nutrition classes to prepare patients for long-term dietary changes at home.