Facility: North Fulton Hospital

Job Summary:

Identifies patients with nutrition risk factors utilizing standardized nutrition screening criteria in congruence with CDR Diet Technician scope of practice. Refers patients with identified nutrition risk factors to Clinical Dietitians for nutrition assessment and intervention. Collaborates with Clinical Dietitians, patient meal services team members and the patient's multidisciplinary team to provide care to patients. For designated patients, monitors for status changes, patient or family questions, care team observations, meal intake, and need for a snack, nutritional supplement, or nutrition education on therapeutic diet. Provides nutrition education materials to patients and patient family members within approved scope. Fosters continuity of care and updates patient's medical health record to communicate changes in patient's nutritional status. Uses standardized patient follow-up criteria for designated patients. Assists Clinical Dietitians with Dietetic Intern competency and training. Participates in quality improvement initiatives to enhance best practices. Note: Employees hired prior to 3/16/18 will only need a bachelor's degree of an accredited institution with a major in Dietetics or related field.

Core Responsibilities and Essential Functions:

Develops, implements and promotes quality services based on client expectations and needs. * Identifies patients with nutrition risk factors utilizing standardized nutrition screening criteria in congruenc with CDR Diet Technician scope of practice * Collaborates with patient and/or family member, and health care team to assess nutrition risk factors and education needs of patients * Provides services and establishes goals based on the identified needs of patients and/or family members; escalates level of care to Clinical Dietitian as appropriate * Applies knowledge and skills in developing, implementing and maintaining nutrition care * Continuously evaluates nutrition screening processes and patient outcomes Systematically evaluates the quality and effectiveness of practice and revises practice as needed to incorporate results of evaluation. * Continuously evaluates and refines service based on measurable outcomes by keeping a productivity log * Identifies expected outcomes of patient care * Selects the appropriate terminology based on the audiences level of understanding. * Seeks innovative solutions to address a challenging situation without jeopardizing the well-being of the customer and the profession. * Demonstrates a clear understanding of the nature of a practice problem and formulates methods to investigate and resolve practice problems. * Participates in quality improvement initiatives and projects Engages in lifelong self-development to improve knowledge and skills that promote continued competence. * Conducts yearly self-assessment to identify professional strengths and weaknesses * Identifies needs for professional development * Assists Clinical Dietitians with Dietetic Intern competency and training * Documents professional development activities according to system policies * Engage in continuous learning opportunities to further develop skills and capabilities in application, technical and functional areas Performs other duties as assigned Complies with all Wellstar Health System policies, standards of work, and code of conduct.

Required Minimum Education:

• Associates Dietetics or Bachelors Dietetics or Other / Certificate Nutrition or Other / Certificate Dietetics

Required Minimum License(s) and Certification(s):

All certifications are required upon hire unless otherwise stated.

• Dietetic Tech - Registered
• Basic Life Support within 180 Days or BLS - Instructor within 180 Days

Additional License(s) and Certification(s):

Required Minimum Experience:

six months to one year of experience. Preferred and Experience with electronic medical record charting systems and other software relative to food service systems. Required

Required Minimum Skills:

Excellent interpersonal, customer service, verbal and written communication skills. Knowledge of best practices in in the dietetics profession. Ability to think critically in screening patients for nutrition risk factors and appropriately escalating to Clinical Dietitians. Ability to maintain effective relationships with other healthcare professionals. Ability to work with patient interests and health in mind.