Per Diem Dietetic Technician-2
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 preferences and prescribed diets; and monitors menu selections for diet compliance. The technician conducts meal rounds to monitor food consumption and satisfaction, provides education and guidance on food choices and meal planning, and reports observations to the Clinical Dietitian to support documentation and adjustments to nutrition care plans. The role also implements and monitors nutrition interventions as assigned. In Brown University Health Cardiac Rehab programs, the technician collaborates with the clinical dietitian and chef on dietary guidelines, recipe modifications, and patient education, and works with rehabilitation staff and culinary interns on cooking demonstrations and supermarket tours. Brown University Health employees are expected to model the organization's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence, and demonstrate the core Success Factors: Instill Trust and Value Differences; Patient and Community Focus; and Collaborate.
Requirements
- Completion of a baccalaureate degree from a U.S. regionally accredited college or university, or foreign equivalent, and completion of an ACEND Didactic Program in Dietetics; or completion of all ACEND-required nutrition classes in a four-year ACEND Didactic Program with an advanced culinary internship pending and an anticipated baccalaureate degree completion within six months.
- Evidence of Safe Serve Certification.
- Thorough understanding of the scientific basis of nutrition and dietetics, applying nutrition principles to human physiology and disease states, and evidence-based practice.
- Thorough knowledge of the nutritional values of foods and food groups.
- Analytical ability to identify overt and potential nutritional problems.
- Ability to develop nutritional care plans for review by the Clinical Dietitian.
- Oral and written communication skills to work effectively with patients, families, and hospital personnel when communicating 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 with food and nutrition and a hospital electronic health record is desirable.
Responsibilities
- Collaborate with the clinical dietitian in Brown University Health Cardiac Rehab programs and the chef for the Dean Ornish Intensive Cardiac Rehab program on dietary guidelines, recipe modifications, and patient education sessions.
- Work with rehabilitation staff and culinary interns to facilitate cooking demonstrations and supermarket tours.
- Collect and review food and nutrient intake information, including diets, meal and snack patterns, supplements, typical foods and beverages, chewing or swallowing difficulties, cultural and religious preferences, and food allergies or intolerances.
- Obtain anthropometric information from medical records or by interviewing patients, families, or caregivers.
- Review medical records following the department nutrition risk assessment from the electronic nutrition screen, and communicate and document feedback in the designated computer system.
- Provide nutrition interventions and plans of care, such as menu correction and diet education, as directed by the Clinical Dietitian.
- Respond to patient inquiries regarding interventions within the scope of practice.
- Verify that nutrition interventions and plans of care are implemented and patient needs are met.
- Provide nutrition monitoring 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 nutrition care plans.
- Conduct ongoing nutrition assessments and evaluations and suggest plan revisions as the patient's condition warrants.
- Conduct individual and group patient education and nutrition classes to prepare patients for long-term dietary changes at home.
