Registered Dietitian - Outpatient Oncology

St. Luke’s University Health Network•Bethlehem, PA

10d•Onsite

About The Position

Plans, implements, and evaluates individualized and targeted nutrition therapies for cancer patients. Provides evidence-based practice nutrition recommendations and patient-focused education to patients and their significant others. Serves as an advocate for cancer patients by identifying, creating, and implementing programs to address their needs. Participates in support groups and presentations as requested. Attends bi-weekly, monthly, and quarterly meetings. Develops web forums, podcasts, and written patient resources. Is available by phone or email for patient questions and functions as a support person for cancer patients. Works collaboratively within oncology and with the inpatient nutrition team, serving as a cancer and nutrition resource. Participates in oncology department PI/research as appropriate and supports oncology activities within the St. Luke's University Health Network. Develops and presents community outreach and patient education classes. Possesses the ability to creatively problem-solve, work independently with minimal supervision, and make decisions within a self-directed and team-oriented work environment. Has excellent interpersonal communication skills, the ability to interact with a wide variety of individuals and groups, and strong time management and organizational skills. Utilizes adaptive counseling skills to meet the needs of a diverse client base. Develops and follows through on performance improvement/quality improvement activities focusing on ways to improve processes and outcomes. Provides an innovative approach to nutrition and oncology care. Responsible for providing comprehensive, high-quality nutritional care to patients in the hospital, clinics, and related entities. This includes, but is not limited to: assessments, care planning, monitoring, and diet counseling/instructions for patients/families. The RD will make appropriate recommendations to physicians. Assessments will be documented in the electronic medical record or on the network paper nutrition assessment form. Other duties may include outpatient counseling, research, teaching, or community service. Implements/conducts professional and business practices in order to uphold St. Luke’s University Health Network mission and values.

Requirements

Active dietetic registration through Successful completion of a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) or Coordinated Program in Dietetics (CPD) plus Dietetic Internship (DI) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) and Licensed as appropriate per state requirements.
Masters degree as required by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (effective Jan. 1, 2024) or bachelors degree grandfathered prior to this update.
Active dietetic registration, and for Pennsylvania: PA state license maintained through PA state nursing board.

Nice To Haves

CSO or experience in oncology is a plus

Responsibilities

Plans, implements, and evaluates individualized and targeted nutrition therapies for cancer patients.
Provides evidence-based practice nutrition recommendations.
Provide patient-focused education to patients and their significant others.
Serves as an advocate for cancer patients by identifying, creating and implementing programs to address their needs.
Participates in support groups, presentations as requested.
Attends bi-weekly, monthly, and quarterly meetings/others as requested.
Develops web forum, pod casts, written patient resources.
Be available by phone or email for patient questions.
Functions as support person for cancer patients.
Works collaboratively within oncology and with the inpatient nutrition team.
Serves as a cancer and nutrition resource.
Participates in oncology department PI/research as appropriate.
Supports oncology activities within the St. Luke's University Health Network.
Develops and presents community outreach and patient education classes.
Demonstrates competence in the assessment, range of treatment, appropriate to the population served.
Acquires additional on-the-job skills and engages in tailored continuing education to further enhance knowledge and skills obtained with formal education.
Obtains technical training and professional interaction for advancement and expanding breadth of competence.
Independently works to prioritize and provide routine medical nutrition therapy according to theoretical concepts and established evidence-based standards of care.
Through the nutrition screening process, proceed with the appropriate nutrition diagnosis and intervention to provide optimal patient outcomes.
Coordinates all phases of nutrition care including nutrition assessment, care planning, monitoring, education and counseling of hospitalized patients in a variety of settings.
Performs duties in support of and in compliance with customer satisfaction initiatives, performance improvement plans, The Joint Commission, and other licensing, accrediting, and regulatory agencies.
Provides care to patients implementing medical nutrition therapy for basic and complex patients in assigned areas.
Precepts dietetic interns and actively participates in department area projects.
May suggest projects and outcome studies and participate in the data collection.
Participates as a member of the interdisciplinary healthcare team such as in rounds, individual consultation and formal/informal teaching.
Participates in community activities.
Actively seeks solutions to problems/systems/issues.
Completes assigned Performance Improvement Activities.
Maintains confidentiality of all information/materials handles within the network/ entity as well as proper release of information.
Complies with network and departmental policies regarding issues of employee, patient, and environmental safety, and follows appropriate reporting requirements.
Provides patients, visitors, and co-workers with outstanding customer service.
Demonstrates/models the network’s service excellence standards of performance in interactions with all customers (internal and external).
Demonstrates financial responsibility and accountability through the effective and efficient use of resources in daily procedures, processes, and practices.
Maintains/exceeds required productivity target.
Is able/willing to cover at other campuses as needed.
Other related duties as assigned.