Dietitian - Bariatric Surgery - Springfield - 40 hrs

Baystate Health•Agawam, MA

About The Position

The Registered Dietitian practices under the general supervision of department leadership and in accordance with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ scopes of practice and professional performance, Massachusetts statutes and regulations, and Baystate Health’s core values. The RD provides age-appropriate, patient-centered nutrition care that considers physical, psychosocial, cultural, educational, spiritual, and safety needs. The RD is responsible and accountable for assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating patients’ nutrition plans of care, and collaborates with patients, families, and other healthcare team members. The role also includes participation in committees and performance-improvement initiatives, continuing education and professional development, and compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards. The RD must be in good standing with the Commission on Dietetic Registration and the Massachusetts Licensure Board.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Food and Nutrition, Dietetics, Human Nutrition, or a related field.
Completion of an accredited DPD program.
One year of work experience in a pertinent area of clinical nutrition, or demonstrated competency after successful onboarding to meet level 2 practice.
Good standing with the Commission on Dietetic Registration and the Licensure Board of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree; required for individuals who became certified Registered Dietitians in 2024 or thereafter.

Responsibilities

Organize assigned patient and family care to maintain safe standards, and manage assignments by delegating appropriately when indicated.
Conduct accurate, age-appropriate clinical assessments; identify and prioritize nutrition diagnoses; develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate individualized care plans using the Nutrition Care Process and current clinical evidence.
Integrate patient and family strengths, cultural and religious needs, and interdisciplinary input into nutrition care planning; enter orders in the electronic medical record in accordance with independent order-writing privileges.
Manage parenteral nutrition, including relevant nutrients, electrolytes, acid-base balance, glycemic control, and fluid, in collaboration with physicians and other team members; anticipate discharge needs when required by location and patient population.
Manage tube feedings and related nutrient, glycemic-control, and fluid needs in collaboration with physicians and other team members; anticipate discharge needs when required by location and patient population.
Develop and provide therapeutic diet education to patients and families using appropriate resources and teaching methods.
Create a compassionate, supportive, and therapeutic environment; respect patient and family dignity and privacy; establish trust and encourage participation in care.
Document assessments, interventions, and monitoring and evaluation according to policy.
Use standards of care to individualize treatment, seek guidance from clinical nutrition coordinators, educators, or senior dietitians, contribute to practice guidelines, follow policies and procedures, and participate in performance-improvement initiatives.
Develop and coordinate nutrition-support discharge plans with physicians, the interdisciplinary team, Case Management, and patients and families, including appropriate referrals and community resources when required.
Address patient-experience concerns promptly and objectively, escalating them to leadership as needed.
Recognize ethical dilemmas in the practice area and intervene appropriately using available resources.
Participate in departmental committees.
Serve as a resource and provide nutrition education to physicians, interdisciplinary teams, and the community.
Complete annual competencies and mandatory education requirements.
Precept dietetic interns.
Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication and progress toward professional goals.
Adhere to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics professional code of ethics.