Clinical Dietitian

At Houston Methodist, the Clinical Dietitian position is responsible for functioning as an entry-level clinician for the requirements established by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). This position is responsible for implementing nutritional care according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Nutrition Care Process (NCP) which includes, but not limited to, medical nutrition therapy, nutrition education, monitoring and reassessment of nutrition care plans, recommending consultation of adjunctive services (social services, speech pathology, immediate referral to RN re: pain assessment, etc.) as indicated, and termination of nutrition interventions as clinically indicated. The Clinical Dietitian position functions as part of the interprofessional team to ensure quality and cost-effective interventions to ensure optimal patient safety, customer service, and optimum patient outcomes. This position works closely with the interprofessional healthcare team to provide inpatient/outpatient care that is integrated and compatible with the patient-focused goals and objectives.

Requirements:

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Functions as a collaborative interprofessional team member by participating in care coordination rounds. Seeks guidance from others and collaborates with all members of the interprofessional care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner.

• Uses therapeutic communication, which includes active listening and teaching, to establish a relationship with patients, families and interprofessional health care team to collaborate on the plan of care. Communicates regular updates to management, nursing, physicians, and other staff as needed to care for patients.

• Contributes towards improvement of department scores for employee engagement, i.e. peer-to-peer accountability.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Implements nutritional care according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Nutrition Care Process (NCP) which includes, but not limited to, medical nutrition therapy, nutrition education, monitoring and reassessment of nutrition care plans, recommending consultation of adjunctive services (social services, speech pathology, immediate referral to RN re: pain assessment, etc.) as indicated, and termination of nutrition interventions as clinically indicated.

• Performs Nutrition Focused Physical Assessment (NFPA) as indicated, based on NFPA findings, identifying patients with malnutrition, degree of malnutrition and whether present on admission or hospital acquired. Collaborates with health care team to document correct degree of malnutrition in electronic medical record (EMR) to ensure adequate intervention for positive outcomes.

• Contributes towards improvement of department score for patient satisfaction, through peer-to-peer accountability to service standards.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Ensures continuity of care by completing quality monitors. Identifies and documents evaluation of outcomes by completing test trays of various diets to ensure quality, consistency and accuracy of meals provided.

• Provides care to patients and coordinates care with the interprofessional team. Manages usual patient assignments and other departmental demands, completes patient care responsibilities in a timely manner with accurate documentation. Uses evidence-based practice to support care and communicate directly with interprofessional team to ensure patient nutrition needs are met.

• Identifies opportunities for corrective action and process improvement. Identifies areas of practice improvements with research-based evidence to achieve patient safety outcomes, supported by accurate documentation. Contributes to meeting department and hospital targets for quality and safety.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Positively impacts quality and cost outcomes by assuring optimal medical nutrition therapy to minimize potential complications related to alterations of nutrition status. Adjusts nutrition care plan to provide the most appropriate and cost-effective therapy. Ensures correct degree of malnutrition and whether malnutrition is present on admission or hospital acquired is documented in the EMR for hospital financial indicators.

• Utilizes resources with cost effectiveness and value creation in mind. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks, assisting coworkers as needed. Meets labor productivity standards by effectively managing established patient load assignments.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Maintains professional development competencies by reviewing research for application to practice. Maintains semi-annual professional portfolio for professional growth.

• Conducts interdepartmental training & mentorship to include: a minimum of one diet knowledge training session for nutrition assistants annually, mentorship of student volunteers and/or food service employees as applicable.

• Seeks opportunities to identify self-development needs and takes appropriate action. Ensures own career discussions occur with appropriate management. Completes and updates the My Development Plan on an on-going basis.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

Qualifications:

EDUCATION

• Graduate of education program approved by the credentialing body for the required credential(s) indicated below in the Certifications, Licenses and Registrations section.

• Completion of dietetic internship accredited by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Completion of supervised practice hours (per Commission on dietetic Registration (CDR) requirements) and/or within a dietetic internship accredited by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

• RD - Registered Dietician (CDR) -- certified by Commission on Dietetic Registration, by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics AND
• LD - License Dietitian, State Licensure -- by Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation or obtain licensure within 60 days

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - PREFERRED

• BLS - Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations

• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security

• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles

• Working knowledge of local City Food Ordinance guidelines and Health department standards

• Ability to function independently and exercise judgment in interactions with physicians, interprofessional care team and patients and their families

• Possesses comprehensive computer knowledge including Microsoft products

• Exhibits strong interpersonal, teamwork and leadership skills with all levels of the healthcare team and assures delivery of excellent customer service to all patients, visitors, physicians and co-workers

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE

• Uniform No
• Scrubs Yes
• Business professional Yes
• Other (department approved) Yes

ON-CALL*
*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. DIsaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

• On Call* No

TRAVEL**
**Travel specifications may vary by department**

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area Yes
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No