TITLE: Clinical Dietitian Specialist FLSA STATUS: Exempt

Pediatrics, OB/GYN

DEPARTMENT: Clinical Nutrition Services JOB CLASS: 155

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Is responsible for assessing, evaluating and educating patients/families in perinatal, neonatal, post partum, infant, child and adolescent care areas.

CORPORATE PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT:

It is the obligation of each employee of Mercy Medical Center to abide by and promote the mission and core values of the Spirit of Mercy.

CORPORATE POLICY STATEMENT:

It is the obligation of each employee of Mercy Medical Center to comply with Mercy’s mission, values, standards of conduct, policies, procedures and related practices (e.g. Dress Code, Time and Attendance, and other policies).

HIPAA SECURITY COMPLIANCE:

Security Access: High “Incumbent has access to restricted or confidential patient information and must comply with the terms of the Mercy Medical Center Security Policies as it applies to their job role.”

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

· Is responsible for assessing, evaluating and educating perinatal, neonatal, infant, post partum, child and adolescent patients and families requiring specialized nutrition care in specific diseased states, utilizing specialized knowledge and skills to optimize nutritional status.

· From screening form, medical chart, height/weight index, lab data, history and intake information, calculates energy/protein needs and makes assessment of total nutritional needs; records growth trends and documents weekly summary of growth, nutrient intake/tolerance and recommendations for change.

· Makes rounds in nursery, contacts physicians regarding nutritional concerns, also nurses, social services and speech/occupational therapists; instructs on special diets and basic nutrition as prescribed by physician, including the provision of discharge planning.

· Documents findings, actions and summary of assessment and follow-up evaluations in medical chart. Updates computer for acuity levels and nutritional care activities.

· Reviews and corrects patient menus as needed.

· May be responsible for the nutritional care of adult/geriatric patients on nutrition support or with renal disease in the absence of these clinical specialists.

· May participate in Performance Improvement activities within the department.

Communicates with Nutrition Office Assistant, supervisors, and nurses regarding supply, ordering, mixing, labeling of supplementation and appropriateness of infant formulas and pediatric supplements.

· Attends department and small group staff meetings to inform and respond to concerns.

· Meets regularly with the Chief Clinical Dietitian.

· Takes phone inquiries regarding nutrition and diet therapy, particularly in relation to infant, pediatric and adolescent care.

· May conduct formal classroom instruction in nutrition and diet therapy, particularly in relation to infant, pediatric and adolescent care.

· May develop and institute small research projects related to improved quality of care for patients.

· May write technical articles for professional publication or professional speaking engagements.

· Upon referral, provides individual outpatient diet instruction for all age levels and provides feedback to physicians as needed.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

· Bachelor’s degree in nutrition or dietetics is required.

· Completion of the Coordinated Undergraduate Program, qualified internship, or another qualifying experience approved by the American Dietetic Association is required.

· Current registration with the Commission on Dietetic Registration is required.

· Current license with the State of Iowa for Dietetic Practice is required.

· Requires at least three to five years experience as a clinical dietitian with progressive levels of responsibility. May require further training in the specific area of responsibility either prior to starting position or as a part of on-the-job training.

· Master’s degree in nutrition or related field desirable, but not required.

· Credentialing in area of specialization, ADA-Certified Specialist Pediatrics (CSP) or Certified Nutrition Support Dietitian (CNSD) is required either prior to starting position or within first two year’s of employment where applicable.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY REQUIREMENTS: (Constant = 67%-100% of workday, Frequent = 34%-66% of workday, Occasional = 33% or less of workday)

CONSTANT

· Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately or quickly.

· Hearing: Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal range. Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication.

FREQUENT

· Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.

· Standing: Particularly for sustained period of time.

· Walking: Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for short distances.

· Grasping: Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.

v

Fingering: Picking, pinching, typing or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand or arm as in handling.

OCCASIONAL

· Repetitive motions: Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands and/or fingers.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

· Light work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently and/or a negligible amount of force to move objects. The use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for sedentary work. Walking and standing are required for sustained periods of time.

VISUAL ACUITY REQUIREMENTS:

· Reading menus, kardexes, tray lists, messages, computer terminal correspondence, instruction and educational materials, medical records.

· Calculating patient caloric/nutrient needs and intake, recipes and formulas.

· Writing, analyzing data, inspecting, alphabetizing, checking menus.

INTELLECTUAL/EMOTIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

· Adaptability to accepting responsibility for the planning of each day’s activities to the optimum benefit of the patient and co-professionals.

· Adaptability to situations involving the interpretation of feelings, ideas or facts in terms of personal viewpoint.

· Adaptability to influencing people in their opinions, attitudes or judgments about ideas or things.

· Adaptability to making generalizations, evaluations or decisions based on sensory or judgmental criteria.

· Adaptability to making generalizations, evaluations or decisions based on measurable or verifiable criteria.

· Adaptability to dealing with people beyond giving and receiving instructions.

· Adaptability to performing repetitive work or to performing continuously the same work, according to set procedures sequence or pace.

· Adaptability to performing under stress when confronted with emergency, critical or unusual situations.

· Adaptability to situations requiring the precise attainment of set limits, tolerance or standards.

· Adaptability to performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature without loss of efficiency or composure.

· Ability to maintain both a high standard of courtesy and cooperation in dealing with co-workers, patients, and visitors and satisfactory job performance despite the stress of a hospital work environment.

TOOLS/EQUIPMENT:

*Telephone *Computer *Fax Machine

*Photocopier *Printer

WORKING CONDITIONS:

· The worker is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

· The worker is subject to food spills and wet spots on floor surfaces.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

· The worker reports directly to the Chief Clinical Dietitian, Clinical Nutrition Services.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
 

Trinity Health is one of the largest not-for-profit, Catholic healthcare systems in the nation. Built on the foundation of our Mission and Core Values, we integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion in all that we do. Our colleagues have different lived experiences, customs, abilities, and talents. Together, we become our best selves. A diverse and inclusive workforce provides the most accessible and equitable care for those we serve. Trinity Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by law.