Posted Date: 1/24/22
Grinnell, Iowa
Full Time
Responsibilities:
Demonstrates initiative to improve quality and customer service by striving to exceed customer expectations.
Integrates and demonstrates FOCUS values and Expectations for Personal and Service Excellence to guide professional behaviors, while adhering to the policies and procedures of the hospital/ department.
Balance team and individual responsibilities; be open and objective to other’s views; give and welcome feedback; contribute to positive team goals; and put the success of the team above own interests.
Practice reflects knowledge of HIPAA, HFAP, OSHA, and other federal/state regulatory agencies guiding healthcare.
Demonstrates the ability to meet the department work schedule.
Demonstrates the knowledge that patient and workplace safety is a priority by preventing errors, accidents and infections and reporting potential or actual concerns immediately.
Oversees technical and support staff in the absence of administrative leadership personnel.
Maintains responsibility for evaluation and monitoring of nutrition related supplies, storage and utilization on assigned patient care areas. Also acts as a nutrition liaison to assigned area, providing nutrition information and solving patient care/nutrition problems unique to the assigned area &/or patient population(s).
Practices according to the Nutrition Care Process (NCP) through nutrition screening, assessment, proper nutrition diagnosis utilizing standardized language, intervention, and monitoring. Utilizes assessment and evaluation techniques that consider the varied needs of age-specific populations as well as cultural, religious, and ethnic concerns.
Conducts a comprehensive nutrition assessment through evaluation of medical, biochemical, and nutritional data for patients with identified compromised nutrition status.
Obtains timely and appropriate data and analyzes/interprets data based on evidence-based standards according to patient specific parameters (i.e. renal function, hepatic function, co-morbidities, diet hx, weight hx, biochemical markers, education needs/barriers, compliance, safety concerns).
Reviews nutrition care orders/medication orders to assess the appropriateness of therapy based on targeted patient population, disease state, age, and/or potential for adverse effects (i.e. food/drug interaction), as indicated.
Contacts the prescriber/provider/physician as necessary for clarification of orders, and/or to recommend appropriate therapy and monitoring to ensure patient safety, best outcome, and cost effective therapy.
Practices in accordance with established policies, procedures, published evidence based protocols.
Contributes to the education of team members, dietetic students and interns, medical students, and residents.
Plans learning experiences, teaches, and evaluates performance.
Accurately documents interventions in the patient medical record as appropriate according to established time frames & remains current with the use of available technology according to hospital/departmental policies.
Accountable for a safe, effective, evidence based practice of self and team members. Sustains formulary by minimizing non-formulary product use through recommendation of appropriate/safe substitutions.
Maintains accurate record keeping of daily clinical activities as assigned. Maintains a neat, clean, orderly and secure department/work area.
Completes all competency/skills assessment requirements.
Continues professional development by involvement in professional activities, continuing education &/or conferences that enhance nutrition practices.
Performs other related duties as required. This position may be assigned a specific mission to address in an emergency situation to assist in disaster response and recovery as part of the Hospital Emergency Incident Command System. Situations of a critical nature may require an individual to perform multiple tasks until additional support can be obtained. Participates in educational programs for patients, team members, other health professionals and the public to increase knowledge and skills.
Assesses educational needs and provides accurate nutrition counseling for individuals and groups.
Evaluates the effectiveness and measures progress towards outcomes of medical nutrition therapy interventions. Reassesses the nutrition care process and implements changes as indicated. Participate in multidisciplinary team rounding as indicated.
Develops, communicates and implements an individualized plan for nutrition intervention. May require a therapeutic plan for specialized nutrition support, including enteral and parenteral nutrition.
Serves as a reliable resource and advisor to medical staff on nutrition issues.
Participates in strategic planning and developing nutrition-related policies, procedures, and goals (i.e. evidence-based order sets, patient education, and formulary).
Represents the Clinical Nutrition Department formally and informally through interdepartmental communications and participation on UnityPoint Health-Grinnell committees, in professional associations and to the public.
Serves as a member of the multidisciplinary team capable of providing an integrated health approach to metabolic and bariatric patients.
Demonstrates the UnityPoint Health Values and Standards of Behaviors as well as adheres to policies and procedures and safety guidelines.
Demonstrates ability to meet business needs of department with regular, reliable attendance.
Employee maintains current licenses and/or certifications required for the position.
Practices and reflects knowledge of HIPAA, HFAP, OSHA and other federal/state regulatory agencies guiding healthcare.
Completes all annual education and competency requirements within the calendar year. Is knowledgeable of hospital and department compliance requirements for federally funded healthcare programs (e.g. Medicare and Medicaid) regarding fraud, waste and abuse.
Brings any questions or concerns regarding compliance to the immediate attention of hospital administrative staff. Takes appropriate action on concerns reported by department staff related to compliance.
Qualifications:
Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a major in foods, human nutrition, or dietetics; food service management; or Institution Management; or a verification statement from the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition.
Successful completion of a postgraduate or equivalent dietetic program that fulfills requirements for registration by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
Experience as an inpatient clinical dietitian preferred. Must be and maintain licensure as a Licensed Dietitian in the State of Iowa.
Must maintain registration status through the Commission on Dietetic Registration. Writes, reads, comprehends and speaks fluent English.
Multicultural sensitivity. Microsoft Office – basic computer skills.
Customer/patient focused.
Critical thinking skills using independent judgment in making decisions.
Use of usual and customary equipment used to perform essential functions of the position.
Work may occasionally require travel to other UPH facilities.
Day Shift - 32 hours per week
Contact info: