Outpatient Dietitian

OhioHealth•Detroit, MI

About The Position

The Outpatient Dietitian uses evidence-based nutrition care to assess and reassess patient nutrition risk, identify nutrition needs, develop nutrition plans of care, and provide counseling and education to patients and families. The role develops enteral and parenteral feeding regimens and nutrition protocols, monitors responses to medical nutrition therapy, and coordinates care with physicians and other health professionals. The position also supports multidisciplinary education, quality improvement, research, and department programs. Work is scheduled for the day shift, 40 hours per week, in the Weight Treatment Program.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
One year of experience required as stated in the minimum qualifications.
Registered, licensed dietitian with at least two years of acute-care experience required; must obtain the Registered Dietitian credential within six months of hire.
A limited permit is required if the Registered Dietitian credential has not been obtained at the time of hire.
Effective time management and organizational skills; ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Strong analytical, communication, and documentation skills; ability to communicate effectively in English in person, in writing, and by telephone, and to use language services as needed.
Ability to think critically, perform basic math and statistical functions, manage multiple assignments, compose written material, work under pressure, recall information accurately, and attend to detail.
Ability to organize technical work; demonstrate planning, problem-solving, analysis, documentation, presentation, and organization skills; interpret data, processes, and needs based on limited information; prioritize workload; make recommendations; and plan and implement objectives effectively.
Ability to use pertinent medical data to develop and implement nutrition plans of care.
Ability to calculate calorie intake, protein needs, body mass index, and enteral or parenteral formulations for selected individuals.
Basic computer skills.
Ohio Board of Dietetics Licensure and Registered Dietitian credential through the Commission on Dietetic Registration are listed.

Nice To Haves

For certain assignments, an advanced degree and/or certification such as CNSD, CDE, or CNCP may be desired.
For certain assignments, at least two years of acute-care experience focused on the assigned specialty may be desired.

Responsibilities

Perform age-appropriate nutrition assessments using validated assessment tools and nutrition-focused physical assessments; document nutrition-related diagnoses when indicated.
Provide age-appropriate plans of care in accordance with professional standards for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists.
Coordinate nutrition therapy with physicians and other health professionals; participate in multidisciplinary rounds and care-planning sessions.
Plan, implement, and adapt nutrition care plans to physician orders and patients’ age- and disease-specific needs, including feeding route, mode, and nutrition prescription.
Teach cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to promote positive lifestyle changes.
Participate as an active member of multidisciplinary teams.
Monitor and evaluate patient responses to medical nutrition therapy, assess progress toward goals, and change treatment when indicated.
Educate patients, families, and caregivers about nutritional therapy using appropriate learning and communication approaches.
Support development and revision of nutrition department tools, training materials, policies, and procedures; keep current with research and incorporate relevant developments into programs and services.
Participate in evaluation of clinical nutrition products and equipment.
Conduct telemedicine consultations to assess and analyze diet and disease-prevention strategies.
Educate and train interdisciplinary team members, students, and interns.
Foster teamwork and help implement innovative programs that support clinical nutrition and financial outcomes.
Support quality improvement, research, and outcome studies; identify and communicate opportunities to reduce waste and improve services.
Maintain accurate and complete documentation, including appropriate use of order-writing privileges in the electronic medical record.
Comply with regulatory standards and facility confidentiality, HIPAA, and patient-rights policies.
Attend departmental meetings, staff development, and professional programs as appropriate.
Ensure applicable national standards are maintained for certified or recognized programs.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Spend approximately 80% of work time on direct patient care and 20% on indirect patient care activities.