Clinical Nutrition Services Technician

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Performs routine assignments to provide basic nutrition care services to patients identified at minimal nutritional risk, under the direction of the Clinical Dietitian. Primary responsibilities include rescreening patients to determine risk for malnutrition, reporting findings and documenting the results of the rescreen in the electronic medical record and providing individualized nutrition education to patients on uncomplicated diets

PRINCIPAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. *Commits to the mission, vision, beliefs and consistently demonstrates our core values.

2. *Rescreens patients at minimal nutritional risk within required timeline; gathers data established by Clinical Dietitians and discusses malnutrition risk screening questions.

3. *Refers patients identified with any nutritional or malnutrition risk criteria to the Clinical Dietitian for a comprehensive nutrition assessment.

4. *Documents the results of nutrition re-screens in the patient electronic medical record, per established procedure.

5. *Verifies tube feeding orders for adult and pediatric patients and monitors inventory.

6. *Prepares infant or pediatric formula when needed in calorie concentrations not available in ready to feed or weigh out powdered formula when needed for breastmilk fortification.

7. *Calculates protein and calorie counts from food intake records. Documents results of daily protein and calorie amounts in the electronic medical record

8. Teaches basic modified diets (e.g. low cholesterol, low fat, low sodium) to patients and/or their care providers.

9. Provides educational information and communicates with patients/families with a variety of developmental and sociocultural backgrounds.

10. *Works collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team and conveys relevant information to members regarding nutritional request or desires of patients; ensures confidentiality in matters relating to patient/family.

11. *Provides basic nutrition services to patients at minimal nutritional risk to include food preferences, intolerances and desire for between meal snacks

12. *Works with the Clinical Dietitian to monitor daily tube feeding and provides information so the Clinical Dietitian can determine clinical priorities for care.

13. Assists in collecting data, as directed, to assist the Manager/Clinical Dietitian in decision making and evaluating clinical outcomes.

14. *Collaborates with food service personnel to communicate patients' food preferences, likes, dislikes, and allergies to ensure menus meet patient needs.

15. Supports and participates in the Medical Center's quality improvement initiatives.

16. Provides in-services for department staff as assigned.

17. Assists in the precepting of students and orienting interns; helps orient new employees.

18. Maintains productivity standards, practices effective time management skills.

19. Maintains professional growth and development through seminars, workshops, and professional affiliations to keep abreast of latest trends in field of expertise.

20. Participates in meetings, committees and department projects as assigned.

21. Performs other related projects and duties as assigned.

(Essential Job functions are marked with an asterisk "*". Refer to the Job Description Guide for the definition of essential and non-essential job functions.) Attach Addendum for positions with slightly different roles or work-specific differences as needed.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. Knowledge of diet modifications, nutrient content of foods and oral nutritional supplements appropriate for patients' with basic nutritional needs.

2. Knowledge of computer hardware equipment and software applications relevant to work functions.

3. Ability to identify criteria associated with nutrition problems.

4. Ability to teach basic modified diets to patients and/or their care providers using a practical method, consistent with patients' learning ability.

5. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment related to changing patient needs including working with patients with acute, chronic and complex disease processes and those who are dying.

6. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

7. Ability to perform crucial conversations with desired outcomes.

8. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of personnel and medical staff.

9. Ability to problem solve and engage independent critical thinking skills.

10. Ability to maintain confidentiality relevant to sensitive information.

11. Ability to prioritize work demands and work with minimal supervision.

12. Ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Associate's degree in clinical dietetics or related field or status as an active junior pursuing a bachelor's degree in nutrition or related field required. Prior experience in a clinical nutritional services capacity preferred. Bachelor's in science - Major: Nutrition or Registered Dietetic Technician (DTR) desired.

OTHER CREDENTIALS / CERTIFICATIONS:

None

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

(Physical Requirements are based on federal criteria and assigned by Human Resources upon review of the Principal Job Functions.)

(DOT) - Characterized as sedentary work requiring exertion up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body.

Walking, taking stairs and/or moving within the facility for several hours each day is typical.