Dietetic Technician

Duke Careers•Durham, NC

32d•Onsite

About The Position

The Level 1 Dietetic Technician is responsible for the preparation and delivery of all infant/pediatric feeds. Preparation techniques must adhere to all sanitation regulations and standards established by the regulatory agencies and health care facility which should include compliance with policies related to the institution's HACCP plan for enteral feedings. Duties include maintaining adequate supplies to meet patient needs, operating all equipment needed to prepare feeds for pediatric patients, maintaining sanitation in the mixing room, filing temperature records and feed order reports, securing the Pediatric and Infant Nutrition (PIN) Room, and assisting with the training of ancillary personnel, as necessary. The Level 2 Dietetic Technician, in addition to the responsibilities/duties of Level 1, may assist the Clinical Dietitian with clinical nutrition care including family/patient diet education. In addition, the Level 2 Technician may assume leadership functions within the PIN Room.

Requirements

Level 1 - High School Diploma
Ability to perform basic math calculations using addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
Level 1 - two year working in a healthcare setting, preferably in Food & Nutrition preferred.
If enrolled in a dietetics program or has a Bachelor's degree in Science related field one year work experience preferred but not required.
Level 1 None required.
Knowledge of and familiarity with The American Dietetic Association Guidelines for the preparation of formula.
Closely follow policies and procedures.
Ability to work independently, with limited direct daily supervision.
Work in close collaboration with pediatric dietitians.
Knowledge of the food service department method of operation and familiarity with its leadership
Knowledge of and familiarity with The American Dietetic Association Guidelines for the preparation of formula
Level 2 - An Associate's degree from a Dietetic Technician (DTR) program approved by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetic Education of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and successful writing of the DTR exam.
Four hundred and fifty (450) hours of clinical experience or completion of a Bachelor's degree granted by a U.S. regionally accredited college/university, or foreign equivalent.
Level 2 - Two years of clinical experience preferred or a combination of experience and/or Education.
Registration (DTR) by the Commission on Dietetic Registration. (Level II)
Same as level I plus demonstrated ability to successfully work with individuals of varying personalities to meet common goals (including professional staff).
Basic knowledge of disease processes and nutrition care for patients in designated area.
Ability to counsel patients and/or families about therapeutic/modified diets.

Nice To Haves

An Associate's degree in a biological science or Nutrition is preferred. (Level 1)
Level 2 - The Level 2 Technician performs all duties of the Level 1 Technician, and the following:

Responsibilities

Prepares and delivers all infant/pediatric feeds as ordered.
Verifies new or questionable infant/pediatric feed orders with an RD for accuracy.
Utilizes standardized or special recipes prepared by the RD, as needed.
Prepares infant/pediatric feeds accurately according to established written formulations, following pre-established preparation procedures and adhering to quality control standards.
Uses the correct techniques to measure breastmilk, sterile water, powders, liquids, etc.
Stores prepared infant/pediatric feeds properly until delivery to the patient care areas.
Delivers prepared infant/pediatric feeds to patient care area refrigerators.
Uses clinical information system to updated patient feed orders and create/print labels and production lists
Inventories and maintains sufficient infant/pediatric stock of additives, formulas, etc.
Completes daily reports indicating feeds prepared.
Orders products and supplies, and notifies supervisor of any shortages.
Orders infant/pediatric formulas from the Materials Management department and/or notifies the Assistant Director to order from an approved and reliable vendor.
Checks expiration dates on products (returns short-date formula deliveries).
Follows procedures for formula recalls at the direction of the supervisor.
Maintains sanitation in the mixing area.
Cleans and sanitizes all work surfaces in the mixing room before and after each feed preparation per protocol.
Cleans utensils, equipment, and storage areas used in the mixing room according to established procedures.
Follows aseptic technique when mixing infant/pediatric feeds.
Follows department and infection control policies regarding handling of feeds.
Maintains daily appearance according to departmental guidelines.
Checks equipment for proper operation and reports problems to the appropriate supervisor.
Assists in training other employees in the preparation of infant/pediatric feeds, handling techniques, etc., as needed.
Communicates with patient care units regarding problems with feed orders, storage, or administration.
Able to work with computer systems: Timeless and EPIC.
Assists in the education of students and Interns, and helps to orient new Employees.
Adheres to time and attendance policies.
Uses time effectively; works well under pressure.
Participates in improving work processes and facilitating change.
Follows department/institutional safety standards.
Works collaboratively with colleagues in clinical service unit teams and across the health system.
Demonstrates concern and courtesy; treats all with dignity and respect.
Performs additional duties as assigned.
Documents patient education provided according to policy. (Level 2)
Counsels patients and/or families about formula mixing for home use (Level 2)
Assists in the education of students and Interns, and helps orient new Employees. (Level 2)